LIVE Updates Pulwama Attack: Candlelight vigils held across the country, world in wake of Pulwama attack

Several parts of the country witnessed candlelight vigils in wake of the the Pulwama attacks, while several parts of the world witnessed the same as well.

More than 40 CRPF jawans were martyred in an IED blast in Goripora area of Pulwama’s Awantipora on Thursday afternoon.

Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the IED attack on the 78 vehicle convoy of approximately 2500 soldiers. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.

In an angry and firm response to the death of more than 40 CRPF jawans, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has given full independence (free hand) to the armed forces and has full faith in their valour.

The Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley blamed Pakistan for the deadliest attack so far and said that India is withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation status from Pakistan.

Here are the LIVE updates:

22:55 February 17, 2019

A candlelight vigil was held at the Indian Embassy in UAE today to pay homage to martyrs of Pulwama terror attack with over 700 people of Indian community participating.

A candlelight vigil was held at the Embassy today to pay homage to martyrs of Pulwama terror attack with over 700 people of Indian community participating.@navdeepsuri @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/7AbBQ7DjJw

— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) February 17, 2019

22:00 February 17, 2019

Candle light march held in Gaya, Bihar by Central Reserve Police Force personnel, their families and other civilians to pay tribute to the CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in Pulwama attack on February 14.

21:35 February 17, 2019

Candle light march being held at Connaught Place, Delhi to pay tribute to the the CRPF jawans who lost their lives in Pulwama attacks on February 14.

21:30 February 17, 2019

Youth in Buldhana tonsured their head to pay homage to the CRPF jawans who lost their lives in Pulwama Terrorist Attacks on February 14.

20:00 February 17, 2019

Slogans of “Pakistan Murdabad” and “Pakistan terrorist” shouted in London during protest held to condemn Pulwama terrorist attack, earlier today.

#WATCH: Slogans of “Pakistan Murdabad” and “Pakistan terrorist” shouted in London during protest held to condemn #PulwamaTerroristAttack, earlier today pic.twitter.com/RMxMIWWNwA

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2019

1:30 February 17, 2019

BCCI should donate at least Rs 5 crore for Pulwama martyrs’ families: Acting president Khanna to COA

BCCI acting president CK Khanna on February 17 appealed to Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai to sanction at least Rs 5 crore for the families of the Indian soldiers, martyred in the Pulwama terror attack.

BCCI acting president CK Khanna in a letter to Committee of Administrators (CoA): I request the CoA that BCCI should contribute at least 5 crores through the appropriate government agencies to the families of the martyred soldiers. #PulwamaAttack (File pic) pic.twitter.com/yWyyotSKK4

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2019

12:25 February 17, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir administration withdraws security of 5 separatist leaders

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on February 17 issued orders to withdraw security of five separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, officials said. Besides Mirwaiz, the security cover for Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah has been withdrawn.

11:30 February 17, 2019

High speed mobile internet suspended in Srinagar

Following the shutdown in Kashmir valley, high speed mobile internet has been suspended in Sringar.

10:30 February 17, 2019

BJP to stage protest

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for a countrywide protest, on Sunday to condemn the Pulwama terror attack, and condolence meetings for the victims at various district headquarters, a senior party leader said.

00:30 February 16, 2019:

British Indians hold anti-Pakistan protest to condemn Pulwama terror attack.

21:40 February 16, 2019:

Cricket Club of India covers Imran Khan’s portrait at CCI HQs in Mumbai in wake of Pulwama attack.

20:30 February 16, 2019:

The customs duty on all goods from Pakistan raised to 200%.

India had on Friday revoked the “Most Favoured Nation” status accorded to Pakistan with immediate effect in the aftermath of the terror attack.

14:00 February 16, 2019:

The resolution passed at the all-party meeting states:

“We strongly condemn the dastardly terror act of 14th February at Pulwama in J&K in which lives of 40 brave jawans of CRPF were lost. We, along with all our countrymen, stand with their families in this hour of grief. “

13:06 February 16, 2019: “We stand with the govt for unity & security of the nation and security forces. Be it Kashmir or any other part of the nation, Congress party gives its full support to the govt in the fight against terrorism,” Ghulam Nabi Azad

All-Party Meet On Pulwama Attack Ends In Parliament

10:36 February 16, 2019: Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba arrives at the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh

9:44 February 16, 2019: Daughter of CRPF ASI Mohan Lal pays last tribute to her father

9:32 February 16, 2019: Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria arrives in Delhi for consultations with senior officials and leadership.

10:32 February 15, 2019: Former President Pranab Mukherjee: The response of the international community in condemning this barbarous attack in one voice will strengthen our resolve to fight this menace.

10:32 February 15, 2019: Former President Pranab Mukherjee : I’m extremely pained by this act of inhumanity perpetrated by terrorists. In this hour of grief, we must stand together as a nation. The united front put up by political parties&politicians across the spectrum is a sight of that unity.

10:06 February 15, 2019: All prior commitments of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for tomorrow and day after tomorrow have been cancelled. She will go to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to pay last respects to the CRPF jawans of the two states, who lost their lives in Pulwama attack.

09:43 February 15, 2019: The mortal remains of some CRPF jawans are now being taken to their native places.

09:22 February 15, 2019: The IPS Association of Uttar Pradesh has decided to contribute one day salary to the family members of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in Pulwama attack yesterday. The amount will be sent to the CRPF Headquarters in Delhi through CRPF Frontier Headquarters, Lucknow.

09:10 February 15, 2019: NIA: NIA team, along with explosives and forensic experts, have collected materials required for forensic evaluation of scene of crime. Considering the status, team would continue with sifting of material tomorrow too. Outcome would be made known after analysis is over.

08:50 February 15, 2019: CM Captain Amarinder Singh announced a government job to the next of the kin of the four Pulwama martyred CRPF soldiers from the state, along with Rs 12 lakh of financial assistance to each family.

08:25 February 15, 2019: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announces ex- gratia of Rs 10 Lakh each for the families of the CRPF jawans, from the state, who lost their lives in Pulwama attack yesterday. CM has also urged all educational institutions in the state to observe two-minute silence tomorrow at 11 am.

08:20 PM February 15, 2019: PM, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa lay wreaths on the mortal remains of the CRPF jawans.

08:10 PM February 15, 2019: CM Maharashtra announces compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the jawans, from the state, who lost their lives in yesterday’s attack.

08:04 PM February 15, 2019: Prime Minister Modi has asked ministers in BJP governed states and BJP MPs to attend last rites of jawans, who lost their lives in Pulwama Attack, in their respective states and constituencies.

07:30 PM February 15, 2019: Mortal remains of martyred CRPF soldiers arrive in Delhi.

07:10 PM February 15, 2019: Representatives from different diplomatic missions leave after meeting officials of the Ministry of External Affairs. Representatives from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, South Korea, Sweden, Bhutan, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel & others were present.

All Heads of Missions were left in no doubt about the role played by Pakistan based and supported Jaish-e-Mohammed in the terror attack and our demand that Pakistan ceases forthwith all support and financing to terror groups operating from areas under their control, sources told ANI.

As a part of continuing diplomatic efforts on the matter, Foreign Secretary met around 25 Heads of Mission based in New Delhi today from all P-5 countries, all South Asian countries & other important partners like Japan, Germany, Republic of Korea & others.

07:00 PM February 15, 2019: CRPF jawans who made the supreme sacrifice and attained martyrdom in the Pulwama attack

06:18 PM February 15, 2019: Union Min Piyush Goyal: Our armed forces & people of India are competent to give a befitting reply to such forces. Our jawans will ensure that any forces which are enemy to India’s interest get a strong rejoinder & people of India will continue to give confidence to them.

06:15 PM February 15, 2019: Representatives of different diplomatic missions arrive at the Ministry of External Affairs.

06:00 PM February 15, 2019: South Korea Foreign Ministry: It is our firm position that terrorism is a crime against humanity that cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be eradicated. We will continue to actively work with the international community to eradicate terrorism.

05:44 February 15, 2019: Mumbai’s Shri Siddhivinayak Temple trust has announced Rs 51 lakhs as a help for the families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack.

05:20 PM February 15, 2019: HM Rajnath Singh in Srinagar: I’ve requested state governments to extend the maximum help they can lend to the bereaved families. I’ve given all the necessary directions to the officers. The morale has not taken a hit. We’ll see this fight against terrorism to the end.

In the wake of suicide attack on CRPF convoy yesterday, it has been decided that the civilian movement will be stopped for sometime when a large convoy of security forces passes through an area. Civilians will face a little difficulty,we apologise for it.

There are some elements who are hand in glove with terror organisations, terror forces & ISI across the border. They are involved in terror conspiracies too. They are toying with the future of the people, especially the youth, of J&K.

They take money from Pakistan and ISI. I have told the officers that the security provided to such people should be reviewed.

Home Minister @rajnathsingh meets injured CRPF personnel at Army base camp in Srinagar #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/41fGp9aPJz

— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) February 15, 2019

05:20 PM February 15, 2019: Senior MEA officials are reaching out to all important partners via diplomatic missions in wake of Pulwama Attack to apprise them of involvement of Pakistan backed terror groups.

05:15 PM February 15, 2019: PM of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, “To my dear friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, we stand with you, the security forces and the people of India following this heinous terrorist attack. We send our condolences to the families of the victims.”

05:15 PM February 15, 2019: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch, Balakot areas.

04:00 PM February 15, 2019: Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik hold meeting with officials in Srinagar.

04:00 PM February 15, 2019: Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has been called to Delhi for consultations in the wake of Pulwama attack: sources told ANI

03:00 PM February 15, 2019:Budgam: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik and Army’s Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, pay tribute to CRPF personnel who lost their lives in Pulwama Attack.

#WATCH Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik and Army’s Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh in Budgam, pay tribute to CRPF personnel who lost their lives in #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/A9UAquDjkA

— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) February 15, 2019

#WATCH: Home Minister @rajnathsingh and J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh lend a shoulder to mortal remains of a CRPF soldier in Budgam. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/7rnm2nXM7B

— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) February 15, 2019

2:51 PM Friday, February 15, 2019: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani strongly condemns terror attack targeting CRPF personnel in J&K. Afghanistan expresses sympathy and deep condolences to the Indian government and people, and the families of the soldiers who fell victim to the incident.

02:35 Friday, February 15, 2019: All party meeting to be held in the Parliament tomorrow

02:30 Friday, February 15, 2019:  The Chinese foreign spokesperson Geng Shuang, said on “China has noted the reports of suicide terrorist attack. We are deeply shocked by this attack. We express deep condolences and sympathy to the injured and bereaved families.”

But when asked about China’s stand on the listing Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told the media that “As for the issue of listing, I could tell you that the 1267 Committee of Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of the terrorist organisations”.

He added that “JeM has been included in the UN Security Council terrorism sanctions list. China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner.” This is what China has been saying while repeatedly blocking efforts by India and other UN Security Council members to list Masood Azhar as a UN designated terrorist.

Asked whether China would be re-looking at the issue in view of the positive momentum in bilateral relations generated by last year’s Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Geng said: “JeM as an organisation has been included in the sanctions list of the Security Council.

“As to the listing of an individual, we have always upheld an earnest, responsible and professional manner. We always acted in accordance with the requirement of the situation. We will continue to maintain close communication with India and relevant parties on this issue”.

2:25 PM Friday, February 15, 2019:

PM in Jhansi: Our neighbours’ intentions will be given a befitting reply by the people of India. All major world powers are standing with us and supporting us. The messages I have received show that they are not only sad, they are angry too. Everyone is in favour of ending terrorism.

PM Modi: Conspirators of Pulwama attack will be punished, our neighbouring country has forgotten that this is a new India. Permission granted to forces to decide on time and place for future action against terrorists.

Pakistan is going through an economic crisis; Pakistan is roaming around with its begging bowl but it’s not getting help from the world.

PM Modi: बदहाली के इस दौर में वो भारत पर इस तरह के हमले करके, पुलवामा जैसी तबाही मचाकर, हमें भी बदहाल करना चाहता है। लेकिन उसके इस मंसूबे का, देश के 130 करोड़ लोग, मिलकर जवाब देंगे, मुंहतोड़ जवाब देंगे

Visuals from Ranchi, Jharkhand as citizens rally with the soldiers

2:05 PM Friday, February 15, 2019: Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood at MEA after being summoned by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Foreign Secretary conveyed that Pak must take immediate & verifiable action against JEM and that it must immediately stop groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories. He also rejected Foreign Ministry of Pakistan statement of yesterday.

1:34 PM Friday, February 15, 2019: PM Movement of convoys of security forces has been halted in the Kashmir valley today in wake of the Pulwama attack: AN

1:28 PM Friday, February 15, 2019: Lucknow: DGP UP, OP Singh observed two-minute silence to pay homage to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in yesterday.

12:40 PM Friday, February 15, 2019: WE WILL NOT FORGET, WE WILL NOT FORGIVE: We salute our martyrs of Pulwama attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged.

In memory of the Martyrs of Pulwama terrorist attack, all formations of CRPF observed 2 minutes silence. The CRPF flag will fly half mast today.

12:30 AM Friday, February 15, 2019: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: The UAE stands in solidarity with the government and people of India in their fight against violence and extremism.

12:16 AM Friday, February 15, 2019: Dr Jasper Wieck, Charge d’Affaires of the German Embassy in India: Germany condemns terrorism in all forms. We are gravely shocked and deeply saddened. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Germany stand with its strategic partner India.

11:55 AM Friday, February 15, 2019: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing the media, says that the entire opposition stands with the soldiers and the government.

This is the time of mourning and sadness.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: This is not the time to raise contentious issues but to stand with the families of the martyred soldiers.

11.45 AM Friday, February 15, 2019: Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos: On behalf of Diplomatic Corps in India, we would like to express our deep sympathy to Indian govt&families of victims of this horrendous act.Firmly support Indian govt in their fight against terrorism.

11.01 AM Friday, February 15, 2019: Prime Narendra Modi speaking at the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express New Delhi Railway Station:

साथियों, पुलवामा हमले के बाद, अभी मन: स्थिति और माहौल दुःख और साथ ही साथ आक्रोश का है। ऐसे हमलों का देश डटकर मुकाबला करेगा, रुकने वाला नहीं है: PM

हमारे सुरक्षा बलों को पूर्ण स्वतंत्रता दी हुई है।

हमें अपने सैनिकों के शौर्य पर पूरा भरोसा है: PM @narendramodi on #PulwamaTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/pBzGzMXprG

— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) February 15, 2019

(Translation: The country is saddened at the attack and at the same time there is anger in our hearts. Will will not stop or hesitate to answer such attacks)

The power behind the attack (Pulwama) will be punished for their deeds.

All humanitarian forces will have to work together to combat terrorism. We will fulfill the dreams of our martyrs through our every breath

जो हमारी आलोचना कर रहे हैं, उनकी भावनाओं को भी मैं समझ रहा हूं। उनका पूरा अधिकार है। लेकिन मेरा सभी साथियों से अनुरोध है कि, ये बहुत ही संवेदनशील और भावुक समय है, इसलिए राजनीतिक छींटाकशी से दूर रहें। इस हमले का देश एकजुट होकर मुकाबला कर रहा है, ये स्वर विश्व में जाना चाहिए: PM

मैं आतंकी संगठनों को और उनके सरपरस्तों को कहना चाहता हूं कि वो बहुत बड़ी गलती कर गए हैं। मैं देश को भरोसा देता हूं कि हमले के पीछे जो ताकते हैं, इस हमले के जो भी गुनहगार हैं, उन्हें उनके किए की सज़ा अवश्य मिलेगी

10:45 AM Friday, February 15, 2019: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley address the media, in a rare press briefing after the CCS meeting.

The CCS that met today to assess and discuss the incident that took place in Pulwama: Jaitley

Pakistan completely isolated by the international committee, says Jaitley laying the blame of the attack on Pakistan

The MFN status to Pakistan has been withdrawn: Jaitley. The status was accorded in 1996.

MEA will initiate all possible diplomatic steps to ensure diplomatic isolation of Pakistan: Jaitley

India will engage will international community to ensure that convention on international terrorism, which has pending with the United Nations on the definition of Terrorism, is adopted at the earliest.

Home Minister Rajnath and officials from agencies and the ministry will be leaving for Srinagar now. We will call an all party meeting after his return and brief them: Jaitley

10:36 AM, Friday, February 15, 2019: CCS meeting ends. Home Minister Rajnath Singh to leave for Srinagar shortly.

ALSO READ: Surgical or tactical, strike or talks; mete out justice to the…

10:07 AM, Friday, February 15, 2019: PM Narendra Modi Chairs meeting of Cabinet Council of Security at Lok Kalyan Marg. NSA Doval, Army Chief, Air Chief, Navy Chief and DG CRPF also present at the meet. Arun Jaitley, who resumed office of the Finance Minister today, was also present at the meeting.

0900 AM (IST) Friday, 15 February 2019

PM Modi cancels all political engagements in the wake of the terror attacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin to President of India Ram Nath Kovind & PM Narendra Modi on Pulwama Attack: Please accept the most sincere condolences. We strongly condemn this brutal crime. The perpetrators & sponsors of this attack, undoubtedly, should be duly punished.

00:30 AM (IST) Friday, 15 February 2019

Instead of releasing such panicky statement to deflect attention, the Pakistani #foreignoffice should look within. #JaisheMohammed that claimed responsibility is based in Pakistan and was recently being promoted at a rally in Lahore. #GHQ must stop its #terror sponsoring policy pic.twitter.com/WiZrjwnFz0

— Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) February 14, 2019

Thursday, 15 February 2019

World leaders condemn killing of CRPF personnel

The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it. #KashmirTerrorAttack

— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) February 14, 2019

France most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers.

France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.#Pulwama #KashmirTerrorAttack

— Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) February 14, 2019

I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir today killing at least 40 people. We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected. The Maldives will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large.

— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 14, 2019

I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives.

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) February 14, 2019

00:30 AM (IST) Friday, 15 February 2019

UN calls for Pulwama terror attackers to be brought to justice

Mobile internet shut in south Kashmir, speed reduced to 2G-level in Srinagar.

22:30 (IST) PM Thursday, 14 February 2019