Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage on Friday to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, emphasizing that their sacrifice will remain an enduring source of inspiration for the nation.
“Paid homage to those martyred in the 2001 Parliament attack. Their sacrifice will forever inspire our nation. We remain eternally grateful for their courage and dedication,” PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The attack, which occurred on December 13, 2001, claimed the lives of several brave individuals who defended the Indian Parliament against a terrorist assault. Those martyred included Assistant Sub-Inspectors Jagdish, Matbar, Kamlesh Kumari, Nanak Chand, and Rampal of the Delhi Police; head constables Om Prakash, Bijender Singh, and Ghanshyam; and Deshraj, a gardener with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
The attack was orchestrated by members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Pakistan-based terrorist groups. It resulted in the deaths of five Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service members, one CRPF constable, and a gardener. The incident escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the 2001-2002 military standoff.
On the day of the attack, five terrorists infiltrated the Parliament complex using a vehicle with forged Home Ministry and Parliament labels. Armed with AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, and pistols, they breached security and attempted to target the car of Vice President Krishan Kant, who was inside the building. Security forces promptly neutralized the attackers, ensuring the safety of over 100 individuals, including key political leaders present at the time.
Commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the attack, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Ministers JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, among others, paid their respects to the fallen heroes at Parliament.
