On December 13, India paused to honor the brave souls who lost their lives during the 2001 Parliament attack, a defining moment in the country’s fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other senior officials and parliamentarians, paid floral tributes to the security personnel who defended the “temple of democracy.”
The ceremony took place at the old Parliament building in New Delhi, now known as Samvidhan Sadan. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) presented a guard of honour, and a minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs. Leaders from both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition parties stood united in honoring those who gave their lives to protect the Parliament.
The 2001 attack was carried out by five heavily armed terrorists from Lashkar‑e‑Taiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammed. They stormed the Parliament complex in a vehicle with forged official labels, opening fire before being neutralized by security forces. The attack claimed the lives of six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service staff, a gardener, a TV journalist, and all five terrorists. Several others were injured during the attack.
President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them “courageous heroes” and reaffirming India’s commitment to combat terrorism. Union ministers, state leaders, and senior parliamentarians, including Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, participated in the ceremony, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the martyrs’ bravery.
The remembrance highlighted India’s strengthened security measures and the nation’s determination to uphold democracy. Citizens across the country observed moments of silence, and social media platforms featured messages honoring the courage and sacrifice of the fallen. The anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the price paid to safeguard India’s democratic institutions and the ongoing commitment to national security.
