The 14th of February, 2019 marked as a black day for all the Indians when a terrorist attack ended up taking away lives of 40 CRPF Army Personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir.

The act of this heinous crime didn’t just leave the country in despair but did ignite feelings of rage in the hearts of Indians from across the globe on losing some of the biggest assets of the country.

In remembrance of these unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives in the terrorist bombing, several Indians based around in Arizona came together to showcase their respect and tribute to them at the Ektamandir which is located in the 2804 W Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA.

Ektamandir has posed to be an important spot of gathering for all the NRIs residing in Arizona and while majority of the events prior to this has been for sharing joy and celebrating festivities; this event was conducted to remember the unparalleled sacrifice that the CRPF soldiers did for the country.

Lalitha Byra was the one leading the ceremony for the MahaPrasad devotees. She stated saying that, “The UN designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad has claimed responsibility for this heinous act.”

It is also believed to be one of the biggest Indian gatherings that was held in Arizona and the entire religious prayers were conducted by Pundit Prakash Ji.

While the entire nation was busy celebrating the day of love, the sudden attack on the paramilitary troopers by the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber left the entire country in a state of shock and trance.

The event occurred when 20 year old Jaish bomber Adil Ahmed Dar, rammed a SUV loaded with 350 kilograms of explosives into a bus carrying the CRPF officials. Around 40 army bravehearts had to give up their life in the attack while several of them were injured and did keep fighting for their lives after the blast.

   ImageSource: www.etimg.com

With the aftermath of one of the biggest attacks after 3 decades, more than 50 countries have issued messages of strong support condemning the attack of Pulwama. It is high time we all call on the international community to unify efforts in confronting extremism and terrorism that pose a threat to global security and stability.

Addressing the loss that the Indian nation has just experienced, we do express the deepest of condolences to those bereaved souls and the families who lost someone close to them in the Pulwama Attack. We all unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believe that such heinous acts of terrorism cannot be justified on any ground.

-Somapika Dutta