The Pulwama Attack|14 February 2019
The Pulwama attack stands as one of the most devastating acts of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, claiming the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. This tragic incident occurred on February 14, 2019, when a suicide bomber from Jaish-e-Mohammed drove a vehicle laden with over 300 kg of explosives into a bus carrying the brave CRPF personnel in Pulwama district. The attack left an indelible mark on the nation’s conscience, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers in the line of duty.
Understanding Senior Politician Satyapal Malik’s Explosive Statements on Prime Minister Modi and the Pulwama Attack
Senior Politician Satyapal Malik has made some sensational statements about Prime Minister Modi and the Pulwama Attack. Satyapal Malik’s political career has been illustrious, spanning multiple roles and responsibilities, including being a former MLA in the UP State Assembly, a 2-time Rajya Sabha MP, a Lok Sabha MP from Aligarh, and the Union Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism. Over the last six years, he has served as the Governor of Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Goa, and Meghalaya. Despite his stature, his explosive statements didn’t receive the attention they deserved from the mainstream media and TV channels, which raises questions about the media’s dedication to national security and the lives of our soldiers. In this article, we will delve deeper into his statements and their significance.
Malik’s first statement revolves around the infamous Pulwama attack, where he expressed his belief that the Pakistani government was undoubtedly involved. The Pulwama attack, which occurred on February 14, 2019, resulted in the tragic loss of 40 Indian soldiers. Second, he claimed that PM Modi is ill- Informed and ignorant about Kashmir and third he claimed that PM Modi isn’t as hostile towards corruption as depicted.
Understanding the Pivotal Alliance between BJP and PDP in Jammu & Kashmir
The Lok Sabha Elections of 2014 saw the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) achieve a significant victory, fueled in part by their campaign promise to abrogate Article 370. Soon after, Jammu & Kashmir held state elections in December 2014, with the main contenders being the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti, and the National Conference (NC) led by Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah. Despite separatist calls for a boycott, the election witnessed a remarkable voter turnout, much like the 2014 national elections. The results led to a hung assembly, necessitating Governor’s rule, and eventually culminated in an unexpected alliance between the BJP and the PDP. This article aims to explore the circumstances and significance of this alliance, given the ideological differences between the two parties, as outlined in their joint document, “The Agenda of the Alliance.”
The Turbulent Political Landscape of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir’s political landscape has been characterized by numerous twists and turns, especially in recent years. From the aftermath of the 2014 state elections to the dissolution of the state assembly in 2018, the region witnessed significant political upheavals. This article aims to shed light on the critical events and decisions that shaped the governance of Jammu & Kashmir during this period.
The Mufti Era: A Brief Overview
The state of J&K witnessed a significant development in its political landscape with the formation of an alliance between the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed became the Chief Minister, and the alliance promised to uphold all constitutional provisions under Article 370, a special status for the state.
Tragedy struck in January 2016
When Mufti Mohammed Sayeed passed away leading to the imposition of Governor’s rule once again in the region. Following consultations, his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti, took over as the Chief Minister, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, in June 2018, the coalition faced a severe setback when the BJP withdrew its support, leaving the government in a vulnerable position. Mehbooba Mufti was forced to resign, and the state came under Governor’s rule, once more, with Satyapal Malik assuming the role. After the coalition government collapsed, both Mehbooba Mufti and Sajjad Lone claimed they had enough MLA support to form the government. Mufti stated she had backing from 56 MLAs, including 12 from Congress and 15 from the National Conference. In contrast, Sajjad Lone claimed BJP’s support and 18 additional lawmakers backing him. Governor Satyapal Malik dissolved the state assembly, citing concerns over horse-trading and instability, leading to sharp criticism, including questions about its constitutionality. Malik defended his actions, stating he received reports of potential horse-trading, justifying the dissolution to prevent political instability.
Jammu and Kashmir: The Tragic Tale of the Pulwama Attack
In December 2018, the Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) came to an end after 6 months, and the state was brought under President’s rule. This marked the first time in 22 years that the region was placed under the direct rule of the Central Government. However, just two months into President’s rule, a devastating incident shook the entire nation.
The Pulwama Attack: A Day of Infamy
On 14th February 2019, a Maruti Eco car loaded with over 300kg of explosives rammed into a CRPF convoy bus in Pulwama, J&K. This cowardly act of terror resulted in the tragic loss of 40 CRPF soldiers’ lives. The incident sent shockwaves across the country, and questions were raised about how such a ghastly attack could not have been prevented. In the after months of the Pulwama attack, an internal inquiry was initiated within the CRPF to identify the security lapses that allowed this tragic incident to occur. According to sources, the inquiry revealed that while there were several inputs warning of possible IED attacks, no specific information was shared concerning this particular Convoy.
Unveiling the Investigation
Frontline Newspapers conducted an extensive one-year-long investigation into the matter and unearthed crucial details. They found that there were at least 11 intelligence inputs between 2nd January 2019 and 13th February 2019, all pointing to an imminent and disastrous attack. These inputs specifically warned of a major attack by the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and its terror commander, Mudasir Ahmed Khan. On 24th January, an officer of J&K CID wrote a letter to his seniors, informing them about 2-3 foreign JeM terrorists visiting Mudasir Ahmed Khan to plan a special attack. The communication called for a high alert and the sensitization of the highway, along with special troop deployment. However, despite these warnings, the tragic attack unfolded.
Lack of Preparedness and Missed Requests
As the ill-fated CRPF convoy, comprising 78 vehicles and carrying over 2500 personnel, traveled from Jammu to Srinagar, the authorities found themselves unprepared. The CRPF had requested five airplanes from the Home Ministry for such large convoys, but their request was refused. Additionally, the highway route was not adequately sanitized, and several link roads were left unmanned, providing an opportunity for the terrorists to execute their plan.
Satyapal Malik’s Shocking Claims: The Pulwama Attack and Its Aftermath
In the wake of the tragic Pulwama attack, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satyapal Malik, has come forward with startling revelations about the incident and its potential prevention. He claims to have communicated crucial information to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, but his warnings were met with silence. Malik further speculates on Pakistan’s involvement systemic failures that allowed the attack to happen.
Narender Modi and BJP’s Victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections
In July 2019, Narender Modi and the BJP secured a remarkable victory in the Lok Sabha Elections. Shortly after, the President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir was extended for another six months. On 5th August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, fully integrating Jammu and Kashmir into India. Political leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, were put under house arrest to maintain public order. Section 144 was imposed in Srinagar, and high-speed internet was shut down for 18 months.