Families of Pulwama martyrs seek truth behind former J&K governor’s claims

New Delhi (India), April 19, 2023: Families of the two CRPF jawans from Bengal who lost their lives in the 2019 Pulwama attack are seeking answers to the “truth” behind the Centre’s alleged lapses that led to the tragedy.

The recent comments by former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik in an interview, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of silencing him when he highlighted the lapses and the Union Home Ministry’s refusal of aircraft, have reopened the wounds of the bereaved families.

Sudip Biswas of Tehatta (Nadia) and Bablu Santra of Bauria (Howrah) were among the 40 people killed in the car bombing four years ago. Sudip’s father, Sanyasi Biswas, expressed his frustration at not knowing what exactly had happened and hoped that someone would be held accountable for the tragedy. His sister, Jhumpa, however, believes that the truth will never come out.

The families survive on the compensation paid to them for their loss, but it cannot ease the pain of losing a loved one. The Centre paid Rs. 35 lakh as ex gratia to each of the next of kin of the Pulwama victims, with additional compensation under various central schemes. The Bengal government paid an extra Rs. 5 lakh ex gratia to the two families.

The families of the deceased jawans are demanding answers and transparency from the center. The question remains whether the truth behind the lapses will ever be revealed, leaving the families with unanswered questions and the pain of their loss.