President Murmu Honors the Martyrs of the Parliament Assault on Its 13th Anniversary
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New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, on Friday morning, paid deep tribute to the individuals who sacrificed their lives in defense of the Parliament, marking the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attack that occurred on this day.
In a message shared on X, the President stated, “I offer my humble respects to the brave souls who lost their lives protecting our Parliament in 2001. Their valor and dedication continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us.”
Expressing her gratitude towards the soldiers and their families, who provide unwavering support during difficult times, she added, “The nation holds a profound appreciation for them and their families.”
“On this day, I reaffirm India’s steadfast commitment to fight against terrorism. Our nation is united against the forces of terror,” the President concluded.
The attack on December 13, 2001, involved five terrorists who entered the Parliament in a vehicle displaying fake insignias of the Home Ministry and Parliament. Armed with AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades, they posed a significant threat.
This heinous act resulted in the deaths of six Delhi Police personnel, two members of the Parliament Security Service, and a gardener. All five terrorists were subsequently neutralized by security forces.
Prior to the attack, both Houses of Parliament had been adjourned approximately 40 minutes earlier. At the time of the assault, over 100 individuals, including prominent politicians and officials, were present within the Parliament building. Notably, Home Minister L. K. Advani and Minister of State for Defence Harin Pathak were believed to still be inside during the attack.
Indian authorities attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terrorist organizations Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, although the latter denied any involvement. This incident heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a significant standoff between the two countries.
