On Thursday, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala called the terror attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Awantipora area today a “compromise on national security by the Modi-led BJP government”. Condemning the attack, Surjewala tweeted, “Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama- the terror list and compromise of National Security by Modi Govt continues unabated.”

However, at least 44 CRPF personnel were killed in a massive explosion in south Kashmir’s Awantipora area, first major militant attack after Uri. Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack and identified the bomber as a local militant.

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Police sources say the attack was likely carried out by a suicide bomber, who rammed an explosive-laden car into the CRPF bus. Congress president Rahul Gandhi called it a “cowardly” attack and expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs on Twitter. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed concerns over the rising casualties and urged the Narendra Modi government to adopt steps to curb such incidents in future.

“Deepest condolences to the families of the jawans martyred in a terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. I can very well understand the pain and grief of losing a loved one in the family. I want to say that not only the Congress party but the entire country is standing shoulder to shoulder with the families of our brave soldiers,” the Congress leader said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said that terrorists will be given an unforgettable lesson for their heinous act.” Jaitely condemned the attack and said, “Nation salutes martyred soldiers and we all stand united with families of martyrs.”

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