New Delhi: On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, the nation’s top leadership on Saturday honored the security personnel who lost their lives while defending the country’s democratic heart.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan led members of Parliament in offering floral tributes to the fallen heroes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first dignitaries to pay homage on the 24th anniversary of the attack. Radhakrishnan joined the observances held to remember the sacrifice of those who foiled the assault.
The commemorative ceremony took place outside the old Parliament building, now known as Samvidhan Sadan, as is customary every year on December 13.
President Droupadi Murmu also remembered the bravery of the personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Paying tribute, she said the nation continues to remain deeply grateful to them and their families.
Several senior political leaders attended the tribute ceremony, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, and Arjun Ram Meghwal also participated, offering flower petals at the memorial photographs of the security personnel who lost their lives while thwarting the attack.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was unable to attend the ceremony as he was in Latur for the last rites of former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Union minister Shivraj Patil.
As part of the ceremony, Central Industrial Security Force personnel rendered a ceremonial salute, known as the “samman guard,” followed by a solemn moment of silence.
