Parliament attack memories come alive on its 7th anniversary

NEW DELHI: The gory memories of 2001 Parliament attack on Saturday came alive at a function to mark the martyrdom of the security personnel who laid down their lives to save the symbol of democracy.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition LK Advani, Chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders of various political parties offered floral tributes.

The widow and son of Ghanshyam Singh of Delhi Police were among others who offered flowers at the plaque put up on the spot of the encounter with the terrorists on December 13, 2001.

Advani later told reporters that the Mumbai mayhem was not a solitary incident but part of a war unleashed by terrorists two decades back. "The government must give a befitting reply to such attacks."

He said the entire world was looking forward to India to see how the resolution to fight terrorism recently adopted unanimously in Parliament was being implemented.

Both Houses of Parliament had yesterday paid tributes to the martyrs and recalled the supreme sacrifice by the security personnel in foiling the attempt of the terrorists.

Five security personnel of Delhi Police, one woman constable of the CRPF and two security assistants of Parliament Watch and Ward section had died preventing the entry of terrorists into Parliament House. A gardener and a photojournalist too lost their lives.