The 2001 Parliament attack anniversary was observed as India’s top leaders gathered at Samvidhan Sadan to honour security personnel who sacrificed their lives defending Parliament from terrorism. On Friday, India marked the 24th Anniversary of the Parliament Attack of 2001. Top leaders of the country gathered to pay tribute to the security officials who were killed during the attack while trying to protect the Indian Parliament, which was done through a ceremony at Samvidhan Sadan (the old Parliament Building) under extreme security. CP Radhakrishnan, the Vice President of India, led Parliament members in laying floral wreaths on the Memorial. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid his wreaths early in the morning, with his Cabinet Ministers and other opposition party members.
The sombre feel of the ceremony was an indication of remembrance, solidarity, and determination toward preserving the sanctity of Parliament. The ceremony allowed Parliament members the opportunity to reflect upon their service to India, and all attendees reiterated their commitment to stand up against the terrorist forces of evil. Lastly, this year’s observance, again, reaffirmed Parliament’s resilience to the threat of terrorism and any type of violence.
Leaders across parties join tribute ceremony
President Droupadi Murmu honored the deceased soldiers as courageous protectors who provided safety to India’s democratic way of life. “Today marks a renewed commitment by India to eliminate all forms of terrorism,” she tweeted (on the micro-blogging site X). The Central Industrial Security Force performed a ceremonial “Samman Guard” at the site, followed by a moment of silence for the sacrifice made by these brave soldiers. Up until 2023, the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) provided Salami Shastra during the commemorative observance of Martyrs Day, a tradition which continues today.
Other dignitaries, including Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Vadra, attended the events. Among those Congress leaders present were Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Union Ministers from Congress, who paid their last respects by laying wreaths of flowers at the foot of the statue of Martyrs. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla did not attend the commemorative ceremony for Martyrs but rather attended the funeral of Shivraj Patil held in Latur that same day.
Remembering the 2001 Parliament attack and its aftermath
In 2001, five terrorists attempted to breach the Parliament complex; they were thwarted by the security forces, including the Parliament Security Service, CRPF, and Delhi Police, before they could enter the building. All five terrorists were killed in the courtyards adjacent to the Parliament building during the shootout. In addition, six Delhi Police officers, two personnel from the Parliament Security Service, a gardener, and a TV news reporter died during the attack. The date has become a national observance of the need to be vigilant, to appreciate sacrifices made by others, and to recognize the price we pay to protect the rights of democratic institutions.
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