New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening in a sombre mood, folded hands and head bowed in tribute led the nation in paying homage to the martyred CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based JeM.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the chiefs of the three services -- Army, Air Force and Navy among others paid their respect to the slain CRPF personnel.
A military plane carrying the mortal remains of the CRPF men killed in a terror attack in Pulwama arrived here.
The bodies were received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officials of the CRPF at the Palam Technical area. A Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into CRPF bus killing many and triggering a major conflict between India and Pakistan as New Delhi sought 'complete isolation' of the western neighbour.
Earlier in the day, displaying a unique gesture, in Srinagar Home Minister Rajnath Singh turned a pallbearer accompanying CRPF officials while carrying the bodies.
At Palam Technical area, Prime Minister walked around 40 coffins draped in tricolour and paid respects to the CRPF personnel killed.
During the wreath laying ceremony Congress chief Rahul Gandhi stood alongside Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and was seen softly interacting briefly.
At two functions - one in Delhi and in Jhansi, Prime Minister assured the nation that the martyrdom of CRPF personnel will be avenged.
At one point, Mr Modi also said "the blood of the people is boiling" and announced that armed forces have been given 'freehand' to decide about the time, location and military strategy to teach the perpetrators of the attack a befitting lesson.
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