New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders, both from the government and the opposition, on Friday, paid tribute to security personnel who laid down their lives to protect the Parliament from a terrorist attack on December 13, 2001.
Among the others who paid tribute were Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and MP Sonia Gandhi and Union minister of parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju.
Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu also paid homage to the security personnel.
“The nation salutes the courageous heroes who laid down their lives while protecting our Parliament on this day in 2001. Their valour and devotion to duty continue to guide our national spirit. The country remains indebted to them and their families. On this day, we reaffirm India’s commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms,” she posted on X.
PM Modi also posted: “On this day, our nation remembers those who laid down their lives during the heinous attack on our Parliament in 2001. In the face of grave danger, their courage, alertness and unwavering sense of duty were remarkable. India will forever remain grateful for their supreme sacrifice.”
Union home minister Amit Shah also paid his tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives during the 2001 Parliament terror attack.
“Today is a day to once again recall the indomitable valour and courage of our security forces against terrorism, when in the year 2001 they thwarted with their spirit the cowardly terrorist attack on the temple of the world’s largest democracy, our Parliament House. I pay homage to the brave soldiers of our security forces who attained martyrdom while giving a befitting reply to the terrorists. This nation shall forever remain indebted to the sacrifice and martyrdom of these heroic warriors,” Shah posted on X.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 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.
Five heavily armed terrorists belonging to terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the Parliament complex in New Delhi on December 13, 2001, and opened fire indiscriminately.
The Parliament was adjourned barely 40 minutes before the strike and nearly 100 MPs were still present.
The security personnel succeeded in locking the doors to the Parliament at grave risk to themselves. Around 14 people, including security personnel and one civilian, were killed in the attack.
