Bhubaneswar: Deadly Pulwama terror attack and subsequent cross-action between India and Pakistan have shaken the world to the core. While the entire episode, lasting for two weeks, has been discussed in detail by Kalinga TV, let us have a look at the sequence of events chronologically.
February 14:
- A CRPF convoy, with 2500 personnel in 70 vehicles, was blown up by an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion through a suicide bomber followed by gunshots in Goripora area on Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama. The convoy was on its way to Srinagar from Jammu. more than 40 brave CRPF personnel lost their lives.
- Terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack.
Read On: Pulwama Attack: 2 Odia CRPF Jawans Among Martyrs
February 19:
- The preliminary report by forensic experts on Pulwama attack established Pakistan’s involvement. The report said that the suicide bomber had used high intensity ‘military grade’ explosives which terrorists procure from Pakistani defence forces.
- India gained sympathy and support from countries worldwide with the US and France very vocally criticising Pakistan for not taking any action against the home-grown militants.
Read On: Forensic Probe Reveals Pakistan’s Involvement
- On same day Pakistan PM Imran Khan released his official statement on Pulwama attack. He took an offensive stance and alleged India of blaming his country without any proof.
Read On: If India Attacks, We Will Retaliate: Pakistan PM Imran Khan
February 26:
- Indian Air Force (IAF) today raided Balakot area in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and destroyed a number of training camps operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed. At least 12 Mirage 2000 jets took part in the attack which carried out at around 3.30 am. Around 1000 kg bombs were dropped on the camps across Line of Control (LoC).
Read On: Pulwama Response: IAF Strikes In PoK, Destroys Multiple Terror Camps
- India’s Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale termed India’s action as completely “non-military and pre-emptive”. Gokhale also informed that the vulnerable terror outfit was planning a few more attacks like the Pulwama attack.
Read On: IAF’s Balakot Raid Was “Non-Military Pre-Emptive” Action: Foreign Secy
Meanwhile, Pakistan played down the attack and termed it a minor intrusion. They said that the Indian aircrafts’ intrusion was across LOC in Muzafarabad Sector within AJ&K (PoK) was 3-4 miles. Under forced hasty withdrawal (by PAF aircraft), Indian aircrafts released payload which had free fall in the open area. No infrastructure got hit and no casualties were reported.
Read On: Indian Aircrafts Intruded Into Muzaffarabad Sector: Pakistan Armed Forces
February 27:
- Pakistani F-16 fighter jet violated the Indian air space in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. IAF’s MiG 21 shot down the F-16s which then fell 3 km within Pakistan territory in Lam valley.
Read On: IAF Shoots Down Pakistan F-16 Fighter Jet After It Violates Indian Air Space
- The tension between the neighbouring countries had escalated to a great height and international communities urged both the countries to sit down and talk to resolve issues and rather attack.
- Pakistan PM took a defensive stance now and diplomatically asked his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi to have a discussion.
Read On: War Is Not In Interest Of Anyone: Pakistan PM Imran Khan
- While tracing the F-16s, IAF’s one MiG 21 flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman got hit and crashed in PoK. This was confirmed by both Indian and Pakistan government late evening.
- The brave officer of IAF was repeatedly hit by local men, but he kept his cool and destroyed documents before he could be handed over to the Pakistan Army. He also refused to divulge any details.
This video was shot while he was in Pakistan Army’s custody:
February 28:
- The Indian Government made it very clear that brave Abhinandan shall not be used as a bargaining chip and also must not be harmed in any manner.
- The Indian Government asked to return the brave officer unharmed.
- With mounting pressure for release for Abhinandan, Pakistan finally caved and agreed to release him the day after.
Read On: Pakistan To Release Wing Commander Abhinandan Tomorrow: Imran Khan
March 1:
- Pakistan delays release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to shoot a botched up badly edited video to boost the country’s PR. The video was later deleted by Pakistan government’s handle on the public uproar. Watch the video here:
- Wing Commander finally touched Indian soil at about 10 pm (he was supposed to reach by 3-4 pm). Reportedly, he was immediately taken to New Delhi from Amritsar for a complete health check-up and a debriefing later.
Read On: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Gets A Rousing Welcome On His Return
During this whole time, Pakistan has repeatedly violated ceasefire and attacked not only India’s military units but also innocent civilians. While Pakistan and its PM Imran Khan have maintained that they want peace; mindless killing will never render peace.
Also Read: Yet Another Ceasefire Violation By Pakistan Kills 3 Civilians
Ms Kalinga