Pulwama Attack 7th Anniversary: How ASI Mohan Lal Faced An Explosives-Laden Car And Was Honoured With A Gallantry Medal

February

14, 2019, began as a regular winter morning in the Kashmir Valley. A massive convoy of 78 vehicles, carrying over 2,500 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was making its way through the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. Among the thousands of soldiers returning to duty was Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mohan Lal, a veteran of the 110th Battalion.While most of the nation was waking up to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the day of love, Mohan Lal was performing one of the most dangerous jobs in the force: Road Opening Party (ROP) duty. His task was to stand guard on the highway and ensure a safe passage of his brothers-in-arms.

The Act of Incredible BraveryAt approximately 3:15 PM, near Lethpora, the mundane hum of the convoy was shattered. An incident which shook the entire nation took place. A Mahindra Scorpio, laden with over 300 kilograms of explosives, veered onto the highway from a side road. While many might have been paralyzed by the suddenness of the breach, Mohan Lal’s instincts - honed by decades of service - kicked in instantly.According to reports, it was ASI Mohan Lal who was the first to spot the suspicious vehicle maneuvering toward the fifth bus in the convoy. Recognizing the imminent threat, he did not dive for cover. Instead, he ran towards the danger. Lal chased the car and signalled it to stop while simultaneously he was also firing his weapon at the vehicle. Desperately trying to disable the driver or detonate the explosives before the car reached the bus, Lal did more than he could.

However, his selfless intervention could not do much but did provide a few precious seconds of warning. Though the car ultimately rammed into the convoy, Lal’s proactive engagement represented the highest order of "service before self." He was standing just a few metres away when the blast occurred, losing his life instantly alongside 40 of his colleagues.Lal did not survive the attack but his attempt to intercept and fire at the explosives-laden car stands as a testament to his bravery, till date. For his gallantry and exceptional courage, he was awarded the Gallantry Medal posthumously in 2021.The Day That Changed EverythingToday is the 7th anniversary of the Pulwama attack, a day which will be always remembered with fear and sadness in the Indian history. The attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. And in the days that followed, diplomatic tensions escalated sharply between India and Pakistan. On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, across the Line of Control.Also Read: Who Is Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's Closest Aide Serving 20 Years In Prison? Beyond geopolitics, however, the attack left a profound human cost. Families lost sons, husbands and fathers. Entire communities mourned. The CRPF, which is one of the country’s largest paramilitary forces, absorbed a blow that would be remembered for generations.Every year since, the anniversary is marked by solemn tributes, wreath-laying ceremonies and moments of silence across the country. Amid the collective remembrance, such stories of extraordinary courage continue to fill people with courage and pride.For the family of ASI Mohan Lal the loss remains a hollow ache. However, his story has become a beacon for the CRPF. He was not just a victim of a terror strike but a warrior who chose to fight until his final breath. On this anniversary, as the country pays tribute to the Bravehearts of Pulwama, Mohan Lal’s name stands out as a reminder that even in the face of certain death, the human spirit can choose to stand tall.