New Delhi, Dec 13 (LatestNewsX) – Politicians of every background gathered on Saturday to honor the security officials who gave their lives during the 2001 Parliament attack, recalling the courage shown and reaffirming the nation’s pledge to remember their sacrifice. In a statement to LatestNewsX, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari reflected on the events of December 13, 2001, and underscored the collective tribute delivered by the country’s top leaders. “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 pointed out that leaders from both sides of the aisle being on hand highlighted India’s unity in confronting terrorism and its respect for those who guard democracy. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla also shared his own memories of that grim incident, describing it as one of the darkest times in Parliament 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 added that the swift response by security forces averted a larger tragedy, saving many lawmakers who were inside when the assault began. BJP MP Brij Lal emphasised the magnitude of the loss: “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 finished, stressing that their bravery will always remain etched in the nation’s memory. The assault, carried out on December 13, 2001 by five members of the Pakistan‑based Jaish‑e‑Mohammed, involved a vehicle laced with falsified Home Ministry and Parliament signs. Once inside, the attackers—armed with AK‑47s, grenade launchers, pistols, and hand grenades—opened fire while the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had already adjourned. Still, senior officials, including former Home Minister L.K. Advani, were present and were caught in the chaos. Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the CRPF was the first to detect the terrorists and raise the alarm, but she was fatality when she was shot. All five attackers were eventually neutralised, but the cost was high: nine men, including six Delhi Police officers, two Parliament Security Service members, and one CRPF officer, lost their lives, while at least 17 others sustained injuries. The attack remains one of the most serious challenges ever posed to India’s democratic institutions.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
