New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) The country Saturday solemnly observed the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on the Parliament House Complex, with the nation’s top dignitaries converging to pay heartfelt tributes to the brave personnel who made the supreme sacrifice defending the country’s democracy.
Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C P Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in honoring the heroes. They were joined by a host of prominent figures, including union Ministers, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, Members of Parliament, former MPs, and other dignitaries. Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary-General of Lok Sabha, and P C Mody, Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha, along with family members of the martyrs, also offered their respects.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered a powerful message emphasizing India’s resolve against terrorism. Earlier in the day, he shared his tribute on X, asserting that the commemoration was more than just a formality.
“Our collective commitment to protecting the nation’s unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty is not merely a formal declaration, but a strong message that India will never bow down to any kind of terrorist intent,” the Speaker stated.
Birla lauded the heroes’ valor, noting, “The valour with which those immortal heroes confronted the terrorists is a symbol of duty, as well as India’s indomitable will towards democratic values and national defense.” He expressed gratitude for their “unparalleled dedication to the nation,” calling it a “constant source of inspiration.”
The Prime Minister also took to X to recall the valor of the security personnel.
“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,” he tweeted.
The presence of the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, alongside the ruling establishment, underscored the national unity in honoring the sacrifice and condemning the act of terror.
The tributes mark the solemn anniversary of the terrorist attack on December 13, 2001, when heavily armed terrorists attempted to storm the Parliament building.
The nation recalls the nine heroes who attained martyrdom while thwarting the attack:
Jagdish Prasad Yadav and Matbar Singh Negi (Security Assistants, Rajya Sabha Secretariat)
Kamlesh Kumari (Constable, Central Reserve Police Force)
Nanak Chand and Rampal (Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Delhi Police)
Om Prakash, Bijender Singh, and Ghanshyam (Head Constables, Delhi Police)
Deshraj (Gardener, Central Public Works Department)
In recognition of their exceptional bravery and devotion to duty, Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi, and Kamlesh Kumari were posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh, and Ghanshyam were posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.
