New Delhi, February 14 – The town of Dinanagar in Punjab's Gurdaspur solemnly observed the 17th anniversary of the martyrdom of CRPF Constable Maninder Singh, one of the 40 personnel killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, with floral tributes and heartfelt remembrance ceremonies attended by officials, family members, and residents on Saturday.
Chief Judicial Magistrate Harpreet Singh, Colonel Vishwanath of the 25 MAC Unit, and Lieutenant B.S. Negi of the 3 JAK LI Unit paid floral tributes to the fallen soldier, honoring his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The ceremony reflected both grief and pride as the nation marked seven years since one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Recalling the tragic day, Lakhvish Singh Attri, brother of Constable Maninder Singh, said, "...This incident happened in 2019, when on February 14, after finishing their leave, the soldiers were returning to their duties. In the Pulwama district, a terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of 40 soldiers, and my brother was among them."
"The last time I spoke with him, we were discussing some household matters. We received news on television that a terrorist attack had targeted the Army. We were tense, and by evening, it was confirmed that he had been killed. We were deeply saddened and devastated, but we also felt proud that he had sacrificed his life for our nation. He had completed his B.Tech and then joined the armed forces, and he also encouraged me to join the Army," he added.
His father, Satpal Attri, also expressed pride in his son's achievements and sacrifice.
He said, "Today marks the 7th anniversary of his martyrdom. He was a very capable individual and always performed well, often securing top positions or coming first in his class..."
On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Pulwama district, killing 40 personnel and injuring many others.
The attack was carried out by terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and sent shockwaves across the country, sharply escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
India responded with airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Pakistan's Balakot, sending a strong message against terrorism.
As the nation marks the seventh anniversary of the Pulwama attack, tributes continue to pour in for the 40 CRPF personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the country.