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Parliament Attack Anniversary: Leaders Unite to Honor 2001 Martyrs

Political leaders from all parties came together to remember the 2001 Parliament attack. They honored the nine security personnel who lost their lives defending the institution. The attack, carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, remains a dark day in India's democratic history. The unity shown by leaders underscores the nation's enduring respect for those who protect it.

Key Points: Leaders Pay Tribute to 2001 Parliament Attack Martyrs

  • Leaders across party lines paid tributes to the nine security personnel killed in the 2001 attack
  • The attack was carried out by five terrorists from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed
  • Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the CRPF was the first to spot the terrorists and raise the alarm
  • The swift action of security forces prevented a larger tragedy, saving many lawmakers
3 min read

Day of sacrifice, sorrow: Leaders pay tribute to martyrs of 2001 Parliament attack

Political leaders unite to honor the nine security personnel martyred in the 2001 Parliament terror attack, reaffirming national resolve against terrorism.

"Today marks the day when Parliament was attacked, and our brave personnel were martyred. - BJP MP Manoj Tiwari"

New Delhi, Dec 13

Political leaders across party lines on Saturday paid rich tributes to the security personnel who laid down their lives during the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament, remembering their bravery and reaffirming the nation’s resolve to honour their sacrifice.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari recalled the events of December 13, 2001, and highlighted the collective homage paid by the country’s leadership. “Today marks the day when Parliament was attacked, and our brave personnel were martyred. To pay tribute to them, the Vice President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, were present here,” Tiwari said.

He added that the presence of leaders cutting across political lines underlined the nation’s unity against terrorism and its respect for those who protect democracy.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla also shared his personal memories of the attack, describing the day as one of the darkest moments in Parliament's history. “Today is a very sorrowful day in the history of the Parliament. On this day, I was also present in the Parliament when the terrorists carried out their attack,” Shukla said.

He noted that the swift action of security forces had prevented a much larger tragedy and saved the lives of many lawmakers and officials who were inside the complex at the time.

BJP MP Brij Lal reiterated the scale of the sacrifice made by security personnel during the attack. “On this day, the Parliament House was attacked, in which nine of our personnel were martyred — two from Rajya Sabha Security, six from the Delhi Police, and one CRPF personnel,” he said.

“Today, we paid our respects and offered tribute to them,” Brij Lal added, stressing that their bravery would always remain etched in the nation’s memory.

On December 13, 2001, five terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out a suicide attack on the Parliament complex in New Delhi. The attackers drove a vehicle bearing forged Home Ministry and Parliament labels, using fake identity stickers to breach the high-security cordon. Armed with AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols and hand grenades, they opened fire after entering the premises.

Although both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had been adjourned around 40 minutes earlier, several Members of Parliament and senior government officials, including then Home Minister L.K. Advani, were still inside the complex. Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the CRPF was the first to spot the terrorists and raise the alarm; she was shot dead on the spot.

All five terrorists were eventually neutralised by security forces. However, nine people — including six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service members and one CRPF personnel — lost their lives, while at least 17 others were injured. The attack remains one of the most serious assaults on India’s democratic institutions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Reading about the details again sends chills. The sheer audacity of the attack on the very heart of Indian democracy. Eternal gratitude to the security forces who laid down their lives.
A
Arjun K
Salute to the martyrs. While it's good to see political unity today, we must ask if our security apparatus has been strengthened enough since 2001 to prevent such breaches. The sacrifice demands more than just annual tributes.
P
Priya S
My father was in the area that day. The fear and chaos... it's a memory etched in our family. We owe our safety and the functioning of our Parliament to those nine heroes. Om Shanti.
V
Vikram M
The fact that the terrorists came from across the border is a stark reminder. Unity in remembrance is the first step, but a consistent, tough stance against cross-border terrorism is the real tribute we owe to these martyrs.
M
Michael C
An attack on any nation's parliament is an attack on its people's will. Deeply moving to read about the courage shown. The world must stand firm against such terrorism.

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