Pulwama attack at seven: The day that reshaped Jammu and Kashmir

Pulwama attack at seven: The day that reshaped Jammu and Kashmir

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, Feb 14, 2026: Seven years ago on this day, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, killing 40 paramilitary personnel and injuring several others.

The attack, carried out by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, sent shockwaves across the country and marked a defining moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir—one that would fundamentally reshape its politics, governance, and security framework.

The fidayeen (suicide) strike on the Srinagar–Jammu national highway was the deadliest assault on Indian security forces in recent decades.

Pulwama was not only a tragedy; it became a catalyst for far-reaching change. Within months, New Delhi initiated sweeping measures in Jammu and Kashmir, the most consequential being the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The move ended the region’s special constitutional status and reorganised it into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Security across the Valley was significantly tightened, several prominent political leaders were placed under detention, and the political landscape underwent a profound realignment.

Analysts say the attack hastened decisions that had long been debated in New Delhi. “Pulwama exposed critical vulnerabilities and hardened the government’s approach to terrorism and governance in the Valley,” said a former bureaucrat familiar with Kashmir policy. “It set the stage for structural changes in administration and politics that continue to define Jammu and Kashmir today.”

This year’s anniversary saw heightened security along highways and at memorial sites in Pulwama, as families of the fallen, security officials, and political leaders paid homage to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the fallen jawans, describing them as “heroes whose devotion and service to the nation remain etched in our collective consciousness.”

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led tributes in the Valley, highlighting their courage and selfless sacrifice. Memorial services, prayers, and social media tributes across the country marked the solemn occasion.

Seven years on, the Pulwama attack stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the enduring resilience of India’s security forces. More than a day of mourning, it is remembered as a turning point—one that reshaped the trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir, altered its political map, and reinforced the nation’s resolve against terrorism.