NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives in the 2001 Parliament terror attack.Prime Minister along with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and other parliamentarians paid their tributes at Parliament.Leaders across parties joined the remembrance to pay their tributes. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi arrived at Parliament to honour the fallen personnel, while Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath remembered their sacrifice, calling the attack a brutal assault on the nation’s sovereignty.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari also saluted the security forces who protected the “temple of democracy”.
security personnel who sacrificed their lives in 2001 Parliament attack (ANI Photo)
“Saluting the brave who laid down their lives on 13 December 2001 to protect the temple of democracy during the terrorist attack on the Parliament House. Their sacrifice for the protection of the nation will always be remembered.” Gadkari said.The Central Reserve Police Force also paid tribute to Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the 88 Battalion on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, remembering her courage and sacrifice.“Tribute to the Brave… On 13 December 2001, during the terrorist attack on the Parliament in Delhi, Constable Kamlesh Kumari of 88 Battalion, #CRPF, demonstrated indomitable courage and unparalleled valor by pursuing the terrorists amidst heavy firing and continuously providing information about their activities to her fellow personnel.” CRPF’s X post read.“Due to her courageous actions, all five terrorists were neutralized. During this incident, she sustained serious injuries and ultimately sacrificed her life on the altar of duty. For her indomitable courage and extraordinary bravery, she was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra. The brave ‘balidani’ receives the eternal salutations of CRPF,” the post said.Defence minister Rajnath Singh also paid his tributes in a post on X, in which he wrote: “Remembering and paying heartfelt tributes to the brave security personnel who stood as an unbreakable shield during the cowardly terror attack on Parliament House. They laid down their lives to protect the soul of our democracy. Their courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering sense of duty will forever live in the nation’s conscience and inspire India’s resolve.“Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also commemorated the sacrifice of the security personnel in his X post, in which he wrote “We pay countless salutes to the supreme sacrifice of our brave security personnel and dedicated staff who attained martyrdom in the cowardly terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament in the year 2001. We are grateful to those who laid down their lives while defending this supreme institution of democracy. Their unparalleled loyalty to the nation continues to inspire us ceaselessly.”“The valour with which those immortal heroes confronted the terrorists is not only a testament to the fulfilment of duty but also a symbol of India’s indomitable resolve in upholding democratic values and national defence. India has always stood firmly against terrorism. Our collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty is not merely a formal declaration, but a powerful message that India shall never bow before any terrorist intent of any kind. This unparalleled sacrifice shall remain an eternal source of inspiration for our future generations in courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty” Om Birla added. On December 13, 2001, five terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed stormed the Parliament complex, killing 14 people, mostly security personnel. The terror attack took place around 40 minutes after Parliament was adjourned, and about 100 members were present in the building. Parliament reiterated its resolve to stand firm against terrorism(With inputs from ANI)