New Delhi: India on Saturday commemorated the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament and honoured the Parliament attack martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
On the occasion, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan led the tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid homage. In addition, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Members of Parliament, former MPs, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Senior parliamentary officials joined the observance as well. Moreover, family members of the martyrs paid floral tributes and remembered their sacrifice.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla shared a message on X. He said the nation remained grateful to the brave security personnel and staff who defended Parliament. He added that their courage continued to inspire the country. At the same time, he stressed that India stood firm against terrorism.
Parliament attack martyrs remembered for courage and duty
Recalling the events of December 13, 2001, Om Birla said the martyrs faced terrorists with unmatched valour. Therefore, their sacrifice symbolised India’s commitment to democracy and national security. He also said the nation would never bow to terror threats.
The country remembered those who attained martyrdom during the attack. They included Jagdish Prasad Yadav and Matbar Singh Negi of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and Kamlesh Kumari of the CRPF. Delhi Police personnel Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh, and Ghanshyam also lost their lives. In addition, Deshraj of the Central Public Works Department was martyred.
In recognition of their bravery, Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi, and Kamlesh Kumari received the Ashok Chakra posthumously. Meanwhile, Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh, and Ghanshyam received the Kirti Chakra.
