Black Day 14 February marks one of the darkest days in India’s history, commemorating the tragic events of 14th February 2019. On this day, the nation faced a brutal terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, where 40 brave personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were martyred. This horrific incident, carried out by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), shocked the entire country and triggered waves of grief, anger, and calls for justice.
Since then, February 14th is observed as Black Day, a solemn day for honoring the sacrifices of those who lost their lives while serving the nation and condemning the ongoing threat of terrorism. This day serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the strength of India’s resolve in its fight against terrorism.
Key Details of Black Day 14 February
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | February 14, 2019 |
| Location | Pulwama District, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Target | A convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel |
| Casualties | 40 CRPF personnel martyred and several others injured |
| Terrorist Organization | Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terror outfit |
| Attack Method | A suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy. |
| Aftermath | Nationwide condemnation, diplomatic tensions with Pakistan, retaliation through Balakot Airstrike |
The Pulwama Attack: A Black Day in Indian History
On February 14, 2019, a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying 2,500 CRPF personnel was traveling from Jammu to Srinagar via National Highway 44. At around 3:15 PM, near the Lethpora area of Pulwama, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden car into one of the buses in the convoy. The blast killed 40 CRPF personnel instantly and caused significant injuries to others.
The attack was immediately claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terrorist group with links to Pakistan. The bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar, was a local resident of Pulwama who had joined the group in 2018. The loss of 40 valiant soldiers on that day was devastating, leaving the nation in deep mourning and leading to widespread outrage against the perpetrators.
Impact and Reactions
- National Grief and Anger: The attack sparked intense emotions across the country. People from all walks of life expressed their anger, solidarity, and grief for the fallen soldiers.
- Government Response: The Indian government condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. The Ministry of External Affairs directly blamed Pakistan for its role in harboring terror groups like JeM.
- Diplomatic and Economic Measures: In retaliation, India revoked Pakistan’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and imposed a 200% customs duty on Pakistani imports. India also called for Pakistan to be held accountable for its involvement in terrorism and sought international support to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
India’s Response to the Pulwama Attack
India’s response to the Pulwama attack was swift and forceful. Here are some of the key actions taken:
Balakot Airstrike (February 26, 2019)
In retaliation, India launched the Balakot Airstrike on February 26, targeting a JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The airstrike aimed to eliminate the terror infrastructure and send a strong message to those sponsoring terrorism. India claimed that 300-350 terrorists were killed, although Pakistan denied casualties.
Military Tensions
Following the airstrike, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. A dogfight occurred between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets, with Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman of the Indian Air Force being captured by Pakistan. He was later released on March 1, 2019, due to international pressure.
Nationwide Protests
In the wake of the attack, anti-terrorism protests, candlelight marches, and tributes to the fallen soldiers were held across India. The incident not only strengthened India’s resolve but also fueled a national outpouring of support for the CRPF personnel and the armed forces.
Why is 14th February Observed as Black Day?
The term Black Day was coined to honor the memory of the 40 CRPF martyrs and to remind the world of the dangers of terrorism. This day is observed annually to:
- Remember the Martyrs: The lives lost on February 14, 2019, are never forgotten, and the sacrifices of the soldiers are honored by citizens and government institutions alike.
- Condemn Terrorism: Black Day serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism and the ongoing fight to eliminate such threats.
- Show Solidarity with Families: It provides an opportunity for the nation to come together and stand with the families of the martyrs, who continue to live through the grief of that fateful day.
- Strengthen Resolve: The day reinforces the resolve of the Indian government and its citizens to continue the battle against terrorism, ensuring the safety of the nation’s borders and citizens.
A Day of Remembrance and Resolve
14th February – Black Day is a poignant reminder of the attack that shook the nation, but it also symbolizes India’s resilience and resolve in the face of terrorism. On this day, the entire nation stands united to pay tribute to the fallen heroes, honor their sacrifices, and reaffirm the commitment to eliminate terrorism from the roots.
