Explain Parliament attack in 500 words
The Parliament attack refers to a horrific incident that took place on December 13, 2001, in New Delhi, India. The attack targeted the heart of Indian democracy, the Parliament House, and left the nation in shock and mourning. This event holds immense significance in Indian history, as it marked a turning point in the country's fight against terrorism.
On that fateful day, a group of five terrorists, armed with guns and explosives, infiltrated the highly secured premises of the Parliament House. The attackers managed to breach the security checkpoints by impersonating security personnel. Once inside, they opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of several security personnel and civilians. The terrorists also lobbed grenades, creating panic and chaos within the premises.
The attack occurred during a session of the Indian Parliament, with several Members of Parliament (MPs) present. The swift response from security personnel and the bravery of the MPs prevented the terrorists from reaching the main chambers. However, the incident lasted for about 90 minutes, during which time a fierce gun battle ensued between the terrorists and security forces.
The attack on the Parliament House sent shockwaves across the country, as it symbolized an assault on the very foundation of Indian democracy. The incident raised serious concerns about the security lapses that allowed the terrorists to breach such a highly fortified complex. It also highlighted the vulnerability of important government institutions to acts of terrorism.
The responsibility for the Parliament attack was claimed by two terrorist organizations, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), both based in Pakistan. The Indian government condemned the attack and demanded that Pakistan take immediate action against the perpetrators. Tensions between the two countries escalated, and India mobilized its armed forces along the border, raising the specter of a full-scale war.
In response to the attack, India took several measures to strengthen its security apparatus. The security arrangements at the Parliament House were overhauled, with enhanced surveillance systems and stricter access controls. The incident also prompted the government to pass the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), which aimed to provide law enforcement agencies with greater powers to combat terrorism.
The Parliament attack had far-reaching consequences, not only for India but also for the global fight against terrorism. It served as a wake-up call for the international community to recognize the threat posed by extremist groups and the need for collective action. The attack further strained the already fragile India-Pakistan relations, leading to a prolonged period of diplomatic tensions and intermittent military standoffs.
In the aftermath of the Parliament attack, India intensified its efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and pressurize it to take action against terrorist organizations operating on its soil. The incident also resulted in increased cooperation between India and other countries in counter-terrorism efforts, including intelligence sharing and joint operations.
The Parliament attack remains etched in the collective memory of the Indian nation. It stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by democratic societies in the fight against terrorism. The incident served as a catalyst for India to strengthen its security apparatus, enhance counter-terrorism measures, and build international alliances to combat the menace of terrorism.