Jammu and Kashmir: 40 CRPF men killed in IED blast in Pulwama, JeM claims responsibility

At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives and several others injured on Thursday after terrorists targeted a convoy with a powerful explosive at Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.  

The injured were rushed to the army base hospital in Srinagar.

Reports said, the terrorists triggered the blast while the CRPF personnel were plying through the Srinagar-Jammu highway. There were also reports of firing upon the vehicles.

Meanwhile, terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack on CRPF soldiers.

“Terrible news coming from the valley. A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed & injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved,” Abdullah tweeted.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also took to her twitter account and tweeted, “ Disturbing news coming in from #awantipura . Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured. No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends?”