13th December 2001, I still remember sitting in my parliamentary office adjacent to the PMO’s cabin when I heard a barrage of gunshots. I immediately ran towards Atalji’s cabin, but the guards outside asked me to remain inside the room. “Atalji is not in the room”, said the guard. With a sigh of relief, I went back to the desk to call Atalji’s home asking him not to come to Parliament while appraising him about the attack.
All ministers and MPs confined within escaped unhurt. This, verily, could not have been possible without the brave souls who fought valiantly against the five militants. 5 policemen, a security guard and a gardener lost their lives during the attack. Today, on the 12th anniversary of the Parliament Attack, I stand beside the bereaved families to give a big salute to the courage and valor of the martyrs who laid down their lives to protect the Parliament, the temple of democracy
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