Nation pays homage to martyrs of Parliament attack

“In this attack, five jawans, a CRPF woman constable, two Parliament security staff members and an employee lost their lives. Today we take a pledge to firmly face all kinds of terrorism and reiterate our commitment to protect unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country,” she said.  

In Rajya Sabha, Ansari recalled the supreme sacrifice by security personnel to prevent entry of terrorists in the Parliament building and said their “sacrifice was of highest order.” The House observed silence in memory of those who laid down their lives.

On December 13, 2001, five heavily-armed gunmen stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire, killing nine persons.

The martyrs included five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) official, two Parliament watch and ward staff and a gardener.  

A journalist, who was injured, died later. All five terrorists were shot dead.

A year later, four accused, including Afzal Guru, were arrested for the attack and found guilty after a trial.

Guru was hanged this year in February after spending several years in jail.