Pulwama Terror Attack

Pulwama Terror attack. Photo: PTI

A convoy of  Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was targeted by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants (claimed the responsibility of the attack) with a car bomb in Awanripora in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday, February 14, 2019. This is a worst-ever terror attack on the security forces in the state in the last few years. At least 38 security personnel were martyred and three were missing.

This dastardly attack was strongly condemned by the Indian government and has given a stern message to isolate Pakistan globally. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on Friday 15, 2019 pledged that perpetrators of the cowardly attack will "pay a heavy price for it". Now, all the government machinery is focusing on Pulwana attack and have no intention to forgive Pakistan.

The Central Reserve Police Force in its statement said, "We will not forget, We will not forgive-We salute our martyrs of attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged".

Foreign Secretary Sh. Vijay Gokhle had conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable" action against the JeM, adding that it must "immediately stop groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories." The Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned by the foreign secretary at the Ministry of external affairs.

After the attack, there is a nation-wide outburst of anger and aggression against the state of Pakistan. Many anti-Pakistani protests are happening all around the country demanding a fair and quick action against Pakistan. Protests also erupted outside the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital.

Protestors raise slogans against Pakistan during a demonstration against the Pulwama terror attack, in Patna. Photograph: PTI Photo

Shiv Sena activists raise slogans during a protest against the Pulwama terror attack at Lalbaug, in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo

Ground of various nations:

The international community, including the United States (US), Sri Lanka, Nepal, Russia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh condemned the dastardly attack on Indian security Personnel.

The US has issued a travel advisory for travel to Pakistan due to terrorism.

On the other hand, Pakistan's ally, China once again backed its 'friend'  and refused to support India's appeal to list the Pakistan-based terror group - Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) - chief's Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist"  by the UN.

Pakistan denied any involvement in it and said, "We strongly reject any insinuation by Indian media and government that seek to link the attack to Pakistan without investigations."

Actions taken by India - post-attack:

Source: Times of India

1. Withdraw of the 'Most Favored Nation' (MFN) status granted to Pakistan - Removal this status means that India can now enhance the custom duties to any level on goods coming from Pakistan. 
(MFN status is helpful for developing nations. The countries with the status have broader access to a market for trade goods, reduced cost of export items owing to highly reduced tariffs and trade barriers.)
2. "Free Hand" to the security forces - To deal with the situation and bring justice to the martyrs free hand have been given to the security forces.

Other options India seek could be:

1. One or two or as many required "Surgical Strikes" on terror camps- Indian army can easily take out the camps of Pakistan, and be victorious, but the long term efficacy is questionable.
2. A big attack on mainland Pakistan using the Cold Start strategy - We can win the war after weeks of massive damaging on both sides (assuming no nuclear missiles will be launched). China will also retaliate with full force mainly due to two reasons: 
• China is 'all weather' friend of Pakistan
• China's heavy investment in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and mainland Pakistan.
3. Diplomacy -  Could be the last option, as the whole nation is demanding justice.