CRPF reaffirms resolve to eradicate terrorism

Pulwama, Feb 14: On the seventh anniversary of the devastating Pulwama terror attack, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Gyanendra Pratap Sing reiterated the forceís unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country.

Paying homage to the 40 personnel who lost their lives in the 2019 attack, G P Singh said the CRPF remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the nation and support the families of the fallen.

Speaking to reporters near the site of the attack at Lethpora here in Pulwama, DG CRPF described the day as one of solemn remembrance and renewed commitment. Besides, DG CRPF, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, alongside officers from the Army and the J&K Police, gathered to lay floral tributes and honour the soldiers who were killed in one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in recent years.

ìWe lost our 40 brave soldiers on this day. We are here near the spot to pay homage to them,î the DG CRPF said, underscoring the emotional significance of the occasion.

Reiterating the forceís counter-terrorism pledge, the CRPF chief said that the organisation was duty-bound to eliminate all forms of terrorism from Indian soil.

He said that while the scars of the attack remain, the force has strengthened its operational capabilities and remains vigilant against emerging threats.

The DG CRPF also detailed the extensive welfare measures undertaken for the families of these soldiers.

He said the CRPF family, along with the CRPF Pariwar Kalyan Sanastha, has stood firmly beside the bereaved families over the past seven years.

As part of these efforts, housing has been provided to 19 families, while land allocations have been facilitated for others in coordination with respective state governments.

In addition, the CRPF and its welfare arm are bearing the full cost of education for the children of the fallen personnel, a commitment that will continue until they complete their studies.

Singh assured that compassionate appointments would be offered to eligible family members once they reach adulthood. Financial relief ranging from approximately Rs 2.25 crore to Rs 3 crore has been extended to each family through government assistance.

To address the ongoing concerns of martyr families more effectively, the force has launched the Veer Pariwar App, enabling streamlined communication and support. The CRPF Welfare Directorate maintains regular contact with the families to ensure their needs are promptly addressed.

DG CRPF said that the force also lost eight personnel in various operations last year and confirmed that similar support mechanisms were in place for their families.

ìWe remain dedicated to their welfare and will continue to fulfil their requirements,î he said, assuring all families of these soldiers that the CRPF stands resolutely with them.

The Pulwama attack took place on February 14, 2019, when a suicide bomber affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The blast claimed the lives of 40 personnel and marked one of the most tragic chapters in Indiaís fight against terrorism.