Fourth anniversary of attack on Parliament observed

The fourth anniversary of attack on Parliament was observed Tuesday with members of both Houses observing one-minute silence in memory of those security personnel who laid down their lives combating the act of terrorism.

• The Attack on Parliament

Recalling the incident and terming it a "cowardly act of terrorism", Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said, "This solemn occasion calls for renewed efforts, to combat this global terrorism. Let us, therefore, rededicate ourselves to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country from all dangers, both internal and external."

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said, "On this occasion, we express our firm resolve to fight the acts of terrorism with determination. We will not allow terrorism to impede our development." A total of nine people including five personnel of the Delhi police, one woman constable of the Central Police Reserve Force and two security assistants of the Parliament Watch and Ward staff, besides a gardener were killed in the attack.

A journalist from the electronic media was also seriously injured and later succumbed to his injuries.

Earlier, the occasion was observed at the gate from where the terrorists had attempted to enter into the Parliament House premises on this day four years ago, but were thwarted by the security staff.

A large number of members of Watch and Ward staff, political leaders and families of the martyred security personnel were present on the occasion.