Arun Jaitley promises harshest of action against terrorists behind the attack on CRPF in J-K , says they will be taught "unforgettable lesson"

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has issued a strong statement on the attack on the CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in which at least 26 personnel were martyred on Thursday.

Calling the attack a cowardice and condemnable act, he has warned of an unforgettable lesson to the terrorists.

"The attack on CRPF in Pulwama, J&K is cowardice & condemnable act of terrorists. The nation salutes martyred soldiers and we all stand united with families of martyrs. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The terrorists will be given an unforgettable lesson for their heinous act,"he said.

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On Thursday afternoon, the 54 Battalion of CRPF was targeted by the Pakistan backed Jaish-e-Mohammed as their vehicle was attacked with an IED blast in the Awantipora area of the Pulwama district on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

An IED blast occurred upon a bus of the battalion CRPF which was part of Up convoy from Jammu to Srinagar at 2:15 pm. There have been some reports of grenade lobbying and firing upon vehicles of 35 Battalion and 179 Battalion also coming in.

IG of the CRPF spoke about the incident. "All the injured have been shifted to the hospital. We will hold the post-blast analysis. It will take time," he said.

The following is the statement released by the CRPF which details about the attack:

• The convoy started from Jammu around 4am. It was an Up Convoy to Srinagar. 
• 70 vehicles were in this convoy with 2,500 CRPF personnel. 
• Road opening party had cleared the route. 
• The convoy had last checked in at Anantnag. 
• A civilian car was laden with IED. 
• J&K Police have released a statement in the aftermath of the IED blast on the Jammu-Srinagar highway

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit the district later on Thursday to take note of the situation.

READ | IED Blast On Srinagar-Jammu Highway, CRPF Jawans Injured: LIVE UPDATES