Leaders across party lines pay tributes to martyrs on 24th anniversary of 2001 Parliament attack

The 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which occurred on December 13, 2001, stands as one of the most audacious and direct assaults on India's democratic fabric. This event was not merely a security breach; it was a brazen challenge to the sovereignty and resilience of the Indian state, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's collective memory and significantly shaping its internal security and foreign policy postures.

To understand the gravity of the attack, one must consider the background context of the late 1990s and early 2000s. India was grappling with a surge in cross-border terrorism, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, often orchestrated by Pakistan-backed militant groups. Organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had become increasingly active, aiming to destabilize the region and pressure India on the Kashmir issue. The Kargil War of 1999 had heightened tensions, and the infamous IC-814 hijacking in December 1999, where India was forced to release three hardcore terrorists (including Masood Azhar, the founder of JeM) in exchange for hostages, demonstrated the coercive power these groups wielded and perhaps emboldened them further.

On that fateful morning of December 13, 2001, five heavily armed terrorists, disguised in security force uniforms, breached the Parliament House complex in New Delhi. The attack unfolded while both Houses of Parliament had just adjourned, but many Members of Parliament, including then Home Minister L.K. Advani and Minister of State for Defence Harin Pathak, were still inside or in the vicinity. The terrorists, driving a white Ambassador car, used a fake sticker to gain entry. Their objective was clearly to inflict maximum casualties and create chaos within the very heart of Indian democracy. However, their plans were thwarted by the valiant and swift response of the security personnel. Eight security personnel – five Delhi Police personnel, one CRPF woman constable, and two Parliament Security Service personnel – along with one gardener, laid down their lives defending the institution. All five terrorists were neutralized in a fierce gun battle that lasted for nearly 30 minutes, preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Key stakeholders involved in the aftermath included the Indian Government (Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary) which had to respond decisively to the attack. The security forces, comprising the Delhi Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Parliament Security Service, emerged as heroes for their bravery. Intelligence agencies faced scrutiny and were tasked with preventing future attacks. The terrorist organizations, LeT and JeM, identified as the perpetrators, became primary targets of India's counter-terrorism efforts. Internationally, Pakistan faced immense pressure from India and the global community to act against terror groups operating from its soil, leading to a significant diplomatic standoff and military build-up on the border (Operation Parakram).

This attack held immense significance for India. Politically, it was an assault on the world's largest democracy, a direct challenge to its sovereignty and the rule of law. It galvanized national resolve against terrorism and led to the enactment of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2002, a stringent anti-terror law aimed at strengthening the state's hand against terror financing and activities, though it was later repealed in 2004 due to concerns about misuse. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, which is India's primary anti-terror legislation today, has since been amended multiple times to incorporate provisions similar to POTA. From a security perspective, the attack necessitated a complete overhaul of security protocols for vital installations nationwide, leading to enhanced intelligence gathering, stricter access controls, and better training for security forces. On the international front, India leveraged the attack to highlight the global nature of terrorism and the need for concerted international action, particularly urging major powers to pressure Pakistan. The attack also led to a period of heightened military readiness, significantly straining bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Looking ahead, the 2001 Parliament attack continues to serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism. It underscores the continuous need for robust internal security mechanisms, effective intelligence sharing, and unwavering political will to combat cross-border terrorism. The attack also reinforces the importance of safeguarding constitutional institutions, as enshrined in principles of parliamentary democracy (Article 79 of the Constitution outlines the composition of Parliament). India's foreign policy continues to prioritize counter-terrorism efforts, advocating for a zero-tolerance approach on global forums. The lessons learned from December 13, 2001, continue to shape India's strategic thinking, emphasizing vigilance and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.