2001 PARLIAMENT ATTACKS

The 2001 Indian Parliament attack was a terrorist assault on the Parliament of India in New Delhi on December 13, 2001. Here are the key details:

Perpetrators: The attack was carried out by five armed assailants, resulting in the deaths of:

• Six Delhi Police personnel

• Two Parliament Security Service personnel

• A gardener

• All five terrorists

Attack Details:

• The terrorists drove into the Parliament House in a car with Home Ministry and Parliament labels.

• Although both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha had been adjourned 40 minutes before the incident, many members of parliament (MPs) and government officials were believed to be inside the building.

• The gunmen breached security using a fake identity sticker on their car.

• Armed with AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades, they opened fire indiscriminately.

• The Vice President’s guards and security personnel engaged in a shootout with the attackers.

• Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the Central Reserve Police Force was the first to spot the militants and was shot dead as she raised the alarm.

• One gunman’s suicide vest exploded when he was shot dead; the other four gunmen were also killed.

• The total death toll was nine, and at least 17 others were injured.

Accusations and Tensions:

• Indian authorities accused Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), two terrorist groups operating from Pakistan, of perpetrating the attack.

• However, LeT denied involvement.

• The incident escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff.

The attack:

• Around 11:30 a.m., a white Ambassador car with a fake Home Ministry label drove through the gates of Parliament.

• The car carried five armed terrorists.

• These militants were affiliated with extremist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

• Armed with AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and grenades, they stormed the premises.

• The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, creating chaos and panic.

• The Vice President’s guards and other security personnel engaged in a fierce gun battle with the attackers.

• Constable Kamlesh Kumari, a brave member of the Central Reserve Police Force, was the first to spot the terrorists. She raised the alarm but was tragically shot dead.

• The security forces managed to neutralize the attackers, but not before significant casualties occurred.

• The Indian Parliament attack underscored the vulnerability of democratic institutions.

• It prompted a review of security protocols and measures.

• The resilience of India’s democracy was evident as Parliament continued its sessions despite the traumatic event.

In the aftermath, investigations, and diplomatic exchanges, the attack remains a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism and the need for unwavering vigilance in safeguarding the nation’s institutions .