Defenders of Democracy: Remembering the 2001 Parliament Bravehearts

India today solemnly commemorated the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament in 2001, paying homage to the brave security personnel and employees who laid down their lives while protecting the nation’s supreme democratic institution.
Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C P Radhakrishnan; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; Union Ministers; Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament and other dignitaries paid tributes to the martyrs. Secretary-General, Lok Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh; Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha, Shri P. C. Mody and family members of the martyrs also paid tributes.

Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla shared a message on X, stating that:  “Tributes to the supreme sacrifice of our brave security personnel and diligent staff who attained martyrdom in the cowardly terrorist attack on the Parliament of India in the year 2001. Grateful to the heroes who sacrificed their lives defending this supreme institution of democracy, our Parliament. Their unparalleled dedication to the nation is a constant source of inspiration.
The valour with which those immortal heroes confronted the terrorists is a symbol of duty, as well as India’s indomitable will towards democratic values and national defense. India has always stood firmly against terrorism. Our collective commitment to protecting the nation’s unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty is not merely a formal declaration, but a strong message that India will never bow down to any kind of terrorist intent. This unparalleled sacrifice will remain a source of inspiration for courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty for our future generations.”

The nation recalls that on 13 December 2001, Jagdish Prasad Yadav and  Matbar Singh Negi, Security Assistants of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat;  Kamlesh Kumari, Constable, Central Reserve Police Force; Shri Nanak Chand and Shri Rampal, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Delhi Police; Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam, Head Constables, Delhi Police; and  Deshraj, Gardener, Central Public Works Department, attained martyrdom while thwarting the terrorist attack on Parliament.

In recognition of their exemplary bravery, Sarvashri Jagdish Prasad Yadav, Matbar Singh Negi and  Kamlesh Kumari were posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, while Sarvashri Nanak Chand, Rampal, Om Prakash, Bijender Singh and Ghanshyam were posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.