Jaish leader Masood Azhar given full freedom by Pakistan: MEA

SRINAGAR, FEB 14 (PTK): At least 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men were killed and over 40 injured after militants targeted a convoy with a powerful explosive at Awantipora in Pulwama district today, reports said.

Militants group Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack. Fifteen of the injured are said to be in a critical condition.

The spokesperson identified the driver (of JeM) who carried out the fidayeen attack as Aadil Ahmad alias Waqas Commando of Gundi Bagh, Pulwama

The nature of the device used to cause the explosion, which occurred in Goripora area, is yet to be ascertained. The injured have been moved to the army base hospital in Srinagar.

However Ministry of External Affairs said that this militancy group (JeM) is led by Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by the govt of Pakistan to operate and expand his militancy infrastructure in territories under the control of Pakistan and to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere with impunity.

Ministry of External Affairs further added that the govt of India condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly militant attack on our brave security forces in Pulwama,J&K, today. This heinous act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based and supported militant organisation proscribed by the UN and other countries. (PTK)