CRPF convoy attacked in J&K's Pulwama: HM Rajnath Singh assures 'strong reply' | Photo Credit: ANI

Srinagar: In the biggest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the Uri Army camp strike of September 18, 2016, following which surgical strikes were conducted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, at least 44 CRPF jawans were killed on Thursday evening in Pulwama district's Awantipora town, news agency ANI reported citing K Vijay Kumar, advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir government. The terrorists targeted a CRPF convoy, which was moving from Jammu to Srinagar and had over 70 vehicles and more than 2,500 personnel. Many others were also injured in the attack that took place on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Awantipora's Goripora area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and said that the sacrifices of 'brave security personnel shall not go in vain'. He later spoke to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. President Ram Nath Kovind condemned the attack.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is likely to hold a meeting at 9.15 am on Friday.

Jammu and Kashmir terror attack, CRPF convoy targeted: Top developments

* United Nations condemns the attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama. "We strongly condemn today's attack in J&K's Pulwama. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives & to the people & Govt of India. We wish a speedy recovery to injured & call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice," UN said in a statement.

* "Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment against terrorism of all forms&maintains a zero-tolerance policy against any kind of terrorist activities. We would continue to work&cooperate with the international community including India to eradicate the menace of terrorism," Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina: At this sad moment, we stand by the people and govt of India. We offer was condolences to the members of the families who lost their dear ones. Our thoughts and prayers are speedy recovery of those who got injured. #PulwamaAttack (File pic) pic.twitter.com/4X9fGq5fcO — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019

* Rahul Gandhi ‘s luncheon meet with G20 head of missions on Friday cancelled in light of the Pulwama terror attack that resulted in the death of at least 44 CRPF jawans, confirms Congress leader Anand Sharma.

* "I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives," Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a tweet.

* "Strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pulwama, J&K. Thoughts and prayers with the families of martyrs and wishing an early recovery to those injured. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil," said President Ram Nath Kovind.

"The attack was carried out by Pakistan backed Jaish-e-Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure the people of the country this. The country pays tribute to the brave jawans who were martyred," said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

#WATCH: Home Minister Rajnath Singh, says,"The attack was carried out by Pakistan backed Jaish e Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure the people of the country this." #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/OdhLUtNK8h — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019

* Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy: Cabinet Committee on Security (CRPF) to meet at 9:15 AM tomorrow.

* Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expresses condolences, concern and condemnation over Pulwama terror attack, reports news agency ANI.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expresses condolences, concern and condemnation over #PulwamaAttack (file pics) pic.twitter.com/henzuXUZ9N — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019

* Tomorrow morning a 12 member team of NIA will go to the blast site. An IG rank officer of the NIA will lead the team, agency reports.

*"US Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in J and K. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it," said US Envoy to India Kenneth Juster.

* K Vijay Kumar, advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir government says that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be involved in the investigations, reports ANI. An NIA team with a suitable forensic component is leaving tomorrow morning for Kashmir to assist the Jammu & Kashmir Police in forensic evaluation of the spot- ANI reports.

* Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, who reached Thimpu, Bhutan earlier today for the annual Secretary-level talks, has decided to cut short the visit and rush back, reports ANI.

K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to J&K Govt to ANI: Death toll in #Pulwamaattack is around 40 pic.twitter.com/mUPCRcZnhz — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019

* Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval over Pulwama attack, reports news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval over #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/uxpI0eUgig — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019

* "Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly," says PM Narendra Modi. "Spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh Ji and other top officials regarding the situation in the wake of the attack in Pulwama," he said in another tweet.

* As per details available, a terrorist identified as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus, which was part of the convoy and was reduced to a mangled heap of iron. Earlier, it was reported that the terrorists had triggered a high-intensity IED blast and followed it up with firing.

* The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group has claimed responsibility for the terror attack - the biggest in the restive state in the recent memory. The terror group told a local news agency GNS in a statement that it was a 'fidayeen' (suicide) attack.

* According to police sources, the suicide attack took place at around 3.15 pm and took the security personnel completely by surprise. Ambulances and security reinforcements were rushed to the attack site even as the injured were moved to hospitals. Some 10 personnel were reported to be in critical condition.

* IANS quoted CRPF officials as saying that the bus targeted in the attack was completely destroyed and another CRPF vehicle was partly damaged. "It is difficult to believe how anyone in the bus would survive," one police officer said.

* Zulfiqar Hassan, inspector general, CRPF (Operations) said: "J&K Police has taken up the investigation. The injured have been shifted to a hospital. Post-blast analysis being done at the spot."

* CRPF director general, RR Bhatnagar, said: "Senior officers are at the spot; investigation is underway. Injured are being taken care of. There were 2500 personnel in the convoy."

* Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken the CRPF DG to review the situation. He is also expected to visit the state on Friday.

* Commenting of whether there were any lapses in the SOPs, officials said so many CRPF personnel were moved together in one go as the Jammu-Srinagar Highway had been shut the past two days due to bad weather. The convoy had started from Jammu at around 3.30 am.