PM Modi Leads Nation In Paying Tribute To Heroes Of 2001 Parliament Attack

India on Saturday marked the 24th anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from across the political spectrum paying homage to the security personnel who lost their lives while defending the nation’s highest democratic institution.

The Parliament complex hosted a solemn tribute ceremony, where the Prime Minister joined Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union ministers, opposition leaders and Members of Parliament.

Leaders offered floral tributes in remembrance of the nine people killed in the attack, including security personnel and a civilian.

Remembering a defining moment in India’s fight against terror

On December 13, 2001, five terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed attempted to storm the Parliament complex using a vehicle bearing forged government and parliamentary insignia.

Although both Houses had adjourned shortly before the incident, several MPs and senior officials were still present inside the premises.

The attackers, armed with automatic rifles, grenades and explosives, breached the outer security cordon before security forces engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the Central Reserve Police Force was the first to spot the intruders and raise the alarm. She was fatally shot, but her alert helped prevent a far greater tragedy. Security personnel from the Delhi Police and Parliament Security Service neutralised all five terrorists.

In total, the attack claimed the lives of six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service staff and a gardener, while at least 17 others suffered injuries. All MPs and ministers inside the complex escaped unharmed.

Several senior figures attended the ceremony, including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Piyush Goyal, Jitendra Singh and Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi.

Home Minister Amit Shah, in a message shared on social media, hailed the courage of the security forces, saying their bravery thwarted a cowardly assault on the ‘temple of the world’s largest democracy’. He added that the nation would remain forever indebted to the martyrs.

Priyanka Gandhi also honoured the fallen, describing their sacrifice as a defence of the country’s honour and democratic values.

As the nation reflects on the attack, leaders reiterated their resolve to stand united against terrorism and to honour the legacy of those who laid down their lives to protect India’s democracy.

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