REFLECTING ON TRAGEDY: 2001 INDIAN PARLIAMENT ATTACK AFTER 22 YEARS

On December 13, 2001, a tragic incident unfolded as five terrorists, guided by Pakistan, claimed the lives of at least nine individuals.

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The victims included six security personnel, two Parliament Security Service personnel, and a gardener in an attack on India's Parliament, now known as Samvidhan Sadan, the heart of democracy. For a detailed account of the events on December 13 and the aftermath, please refer to this article.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, the then Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani stated, "It is now evident that the terrorist assault on the Parliament House was executed jointly by Pakistan-based and supported terrorist outfits, namely, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad 

WHAT ALL HAPPENED ON THAT DAY?

Around 11:30 am on December 13, 2001, a security breach unfolded at the Parliament Complex in New Delhi. Heavily armed militants, driving a white ambassador and using fake VIP cards with a red beacon, infiltrated the complex.

The breach occurred about 40 minutes after the Parliament adjourned, with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Opposition Leader Sonia Gandhi having already departed. Most of the 100 MPs, including Home Minister LK Advani, were inside.

The militants' car collided with the motorcade of then Vice President Krishnan Kant, sparking an unplanned confrontation. A fierce hour-long firefight erupted between the terrorists and security personnel.

Eventually, all five terrorists were killed, but the incident also claimed the lives of five Delhi police personnel, including a Parliament security guard and a gardener.

Despite the chaos, all ministers and MPs emerged unharmed, and the incident was broadcast live on television. One militant, laden with ammunition, detonated himself at the main entrance to the Parliament chambers.