Parliament Attack Anniversary: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Lead Tributes on 24th Year

New Delhi: Today marks 24 years of the horrific 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament. Like every year, this time too the country remembered those brave soldiers and personnel who sacrificed their lives while protecting democracy. Through the memorial meeting and floral tributes, a heavy and solemn atmosphere was created in the Parliament premises in the morning itself. 

Emotional tribute to the leaders

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan was among the first to pay tribute to the martyrs. After him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and senior Congress leaders also paid their respects by offering flowers in front of the photographs. On this occasion, many senior political and parliamentary personalities from across the country also honored the martyrs. 

Quiet and brief ceremony held in Parliament

A small but solemn tribute meeting was organized outside the Constitution House (old Parliament House). It involved an honor guard by security forces and a few minutes of silence—with a simple but deep message that the nation will not forget those martyrs. Over the years, it has been a tradition that programs in honor of the martyrs are organized every year on such occasions in the Parliament complex. 

CISF—Change of Honor and Security

This time the guard of honor was provided by CISF personnel—it is also noteworthy that earlier this responsibility was sometimes performed by other security bodies. Keeping in mind the changes and responsibilities in the security arrangements of the Parliament, the role of CISF appeared prominent this year. 

What happened then—the incident and the sacrifice

On 13 December 2001, armed terrorists tried to attack the Parliament complex. Five attackers were stopped due to the swift response of the security forces, but in this encounter, many people, including six Delhi Police personnel, two Parliament Security Force personnel, and a TV journalist, were martyred. This attack had emerged as a serious challenge to the country's security and political system.

Memories and Lessons—Why It's Important

Today's remembrance teaches us how important safety, caution, and accountability are. Remembrance of martyrs should not be limited to just offering flowers; it is important to incorporate the lessons learned from their sacrifice into policy-making and security arrangements. Leaders, activists, and citizens together reiterate their sentiment that there will be no laxity in the fight against terrorism. 

A promise—obeisance and vigilance

Even after 24 years, the country remembers those brave men because of whom Parliament was saved. Today's tribute is an emotional tribute as well as a public-constitutional message that the role of every citizen and every security officer is important in protecting democracy.