Parliament attack victims remembered on anniversary
New Delhi, Dec 13: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Members of Parliament, former MPs and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the victims, family members of those who lost their lives and commemorate the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament, paying homage to the security personnel and staff who laid down their lives while defending the country’s supreme democratic institution.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, remembered the bravery of the fallen personnel, writing: “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 tribute, recalling the resolve shown by the security forces in thwarting the attack. In his message on X, he said: “Today is the day to once again recall the indomitable courage and valour of our security forces, who foiled the cowardly terrorist attack on the temple of the world’s largest democracy – our Parliament House - in 2001. This nation will forever remain indebted to the sacrifice and martyrdom of these heroic warriors.”
Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the sacrifice of the martyrs continues to inspire the nation and symbolises India’s firm commitment to democracy, unity and the fight against terrorism.
The country recalls that on December 13, 2001, Jagdish Prasad Yadav and Matbar Singh Negi, Security Assistants of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat; Kamlesh Kumari, Constable of the CRPF; Delhi Police personnel Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam; and Deshraj of the Central Public Works Department were killed while foiling the terrorist attack on Parliament. In recognition of their exceptional bravery, Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi and Kamlesh Kumari were posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, while Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam were posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.
