Homage to Heroes of Pulwama Attack

• 14 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister paid homage to the courageous heroes of Pulwama terror attack of 2019. 

 Key Points 

• Pulwama Terror Attack: 
  • A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy of 78 vehicles, carrying over 2,500 jawans, was targeted in a deadly attack. 
  • The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. 
    • A lone JeM suicide bomber carried out the attack by ramming a car loaded with approximately 350 kg of explosives into a CRPF bus. 
  • JeM’s Involvement in Past Attacks: 
    • JeM has been linked to several major attacks, including: 
      • The 2001 Indian Parliament attack. 
      • The 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, which killed seven security personnel. 
      • The 2016 Uri attack, which resulted in the deaths of 20 soldiers. 

 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 

• About: 
  • The CRPF was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police in 1939 in response to political turmoil and unrest within the princely states. 
  • The force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949. 
  • Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation. 
• Achievements and Contributions: 
  • The force has thwarted attacks on important national landmarks, controlled militancy in Punjab and insurgency in Tripura, and made significant contributions to eradicating Naxalism. 
• Honouring the Bravehearts: 
  • The CRPF has paid a heavy price, with 2,255 of its soldiers making the supreme sacrifice and being honoured with decorations, including the George Cross, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc.