Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said the country will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by security personnel who gave their lives defending the “temple of democracy” during the 2001 Parliament terror attack, as leaders from across political parties paid homage on its anniversary.

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju said December 13 is a solemn day for the nation. He noted that every year tributes are paid at the Parliament premises to the martyrs, with the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Members of Parliament joining in remembrance. He emphasized that the fallen personnel laid down their lives to protect India’s democratic institutions and saved Parliament from terrorist assault.

President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that the nation will always remain indebted to them and their families. In a post on X, she said the courage and dedication of the heroes who protected Parliament in 2001 continue to inspire the nation, reaffirming India’s resolve to fight terrorism in all forms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likewise honored the security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju, and several senior parliamentarians from both the ruling alliance and the opposition also paid their respects. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remembered the martyrs, calling the attack a cowardly assault on the nation’s sovereignty and democracy, and said the country would forever be grateful for their sacrifice.

The Central Reserve Police Force paid special tribute to Constable Kamlesh Kumari of the 88 Battalion, recalling her bravery during the attack. Despite sustaining serious injuries, she continued to pursue the terrorists and share crucial information, actions that led to all five attackers being neutralized. She was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for her valor. On December 13, 2001, five heavily armed terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked the Parliament complex in New Delhi. The assault, which occurred shortly after Parliament was adjourned, claimed the lives of 14 people, including security personnel and a civilian.