On December 13, 2023, Amit Shah, the Home Minister of India, paid heartfelt tributes to the heroes who thwarted the terrorist attack on the Parliament House in 2001. Shah commended the indomitable bravery displayed by the security forces, emphasizing that their courage had foiled the cowardly assault on the heart of India’s democracy.
In a poignant ceremony held in the Parliament House complex, Shah conveyed the nation’s gratitude to those who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting the Parliament. He acknowledged the immense debt the country owes to the fallen heroes, stating, “The country will always be indebted to your sacrifice.”
“The 2001 Indian Parliament attack, occurring on the same day, marked a dark chapter in the nation’s history. Five armed assailants carried out the attack, resulting in the tragic deaths of six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Service personnel, and a gardener. All five attackers were neutralized by the swift and courageous response of the security forces”.
“While addressing the gathering, Amit Shah reiterated the significance of the sacrifice made by those who lost their lives in defending the Parliament. The attack, which took place when both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha had been adjourned, targeted prominent figures within the government, including Home Minister LK Advani and Minister of State for Defence Harin Pathak”.
The assailants exploited a fake identity sticker on their car, which bore labels from the Home Ministry and Parliament, allowing them to breach the security perimeter easily. Armed with AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades, the attackers unleashed chaos upon entering the Parliament premises.
Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the Central Reserve Police Force played a crucial role by spotting the militants and raising the alarm. Tragically, she lost her life in the line of duty, becoming the first casualty in the attack. The security personnel and guards swiftly engaged the attackers, preventing further loss of life.
One of the attackers detonated a suicide vest upon being shot dead, while the remaining four were neutralized by the security forces. Miraculously, ministers and Members of Parliament escaped unharmed, despite the intensity of the assault.
“The 2001 Parliament attack, attributed to militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The incident played a pivotal role in the 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region”.
As India remembers the events of that fateful day, Amit Shah’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stood steadfast in defense of the nation’s democratic institutions. The tribute ceremony not only honors the fallen heroes but also reaffirms the resilience and determination of the Indian security forces to safeguard the values that the Parliament represents.
