After Pulwama attack, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince cuts short Pak visit

The terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district was carried out by Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. Jaish's chief Masood Azhar is still in Pakistan.

The Saudi Prince is expected to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday, report said.

How the Pulwama attack took place?

Militants rammed an IED-laden vehicle into a vehicle carrying CRPF at Goripora, Awantipora on Thursday afternoon.

According to reports, the vehicle used by the terrorists was a Mahindra Scorpio and it carried more than 350 kg of explosives.

The attack left 14 CRPF jawans injured. 

(Place where the attack took place)

India blames Pakistan:

India on Thursday said it strongly condemned "the cowardly terrorist attack on our brave security forces in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir earlier today" by Pakistan based terrorists claiming the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.

"This heinous and despicable act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the United Nations and other countries. This terror group is led by the international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by Government of Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in territories under the control of Pakistan and to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere with impunity," said India's Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

"The Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to take all necessary measures to safeguard national security. We are equally resolved to fight against the menace of terrorism. We demand that Pakistan stop supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from their territory and dismantle the infrastructure operated by terrorist outfits to launch attacks in other countries," it said.   

Pakistan denies link:

Even as Pakistan-sponsored terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the suicide attack in Kashmir killing 40 Indian soldiers, the hostile neighbour of India said the attack in Pulwama should be first investigated before any accusation on Pakistan. 

Denying any link with the deadly terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, Pakistan said the incident is a "matter of grave concern".

Rejecting any of its links to the attack, Pakistan said: "We have always condemned heightened acts of violence in the Valley. We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations."

(Saudi Prince with Narendra Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit)

Other countries condemn attack:

Different countries, including US and France, condemned the suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama city on Thursday.

The US State Department said the government is committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all its forms.

"Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad has claimed responsibility for this heinous act. We call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists," read the statement issued by the US government.

Alexandre Ziegler, the French ambassador in Delhi, tweeted: "France most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers. France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.#Pulwama #KashmirTerrorAttack."   

Modi-Saudi Prince relationship:

In late November last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Saudi prince on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

The two leaders had discussed issues related to enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech and defence sectors.