Security Breach in Parliament on the Anniversary of 2001 Attack Raises Concerns

December 13, 2023: On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, the Lok Sabha faced a shocking security breach as two unidentified individuals infiltrated the premises, raising significant concerns about the efficacy of the Parliament’s security system. The breach occurred during the ongoing session, with the two individuals leaping from the audience gallery.

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant reported that one youth jumped into the Parliament from the gallery, swiftly followed by another. The latter attempted to approach the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker by navigating the benches. To impede their progress, MPs apprehended the intruders. One of the individuals had removed his shoes and began running within the Parliament. Upon their arrest, it was discovered that the accused carried a smoke gun—a gas pipe-like object emitting yellow smoke. The incident led to the temporary adjournment of Lok Sabha proceedings.

Both intruders had gained access to the Lok Sabha using visitor passes bearing the names of Members of Parliament. This breach has cast a glaring spotlight on the security infrastructure of the Parliament, particularly poignant on the 22nd anniversary of the historic attack on December 13, 2001.

As a swift response to the breach, security measures have been heightened during the Nagpur session. Gallery passes, a potential avenue for such infiltrations, have been immediately suspended. Legislative Council Deputy Speaker Dr Neelam Gorhe announced the decision to halt gallery passes in both halls as a precautionary measure. Additionally, MLAs in the Legislative Assembly will now receive only two passes each to mitigate crowding during the session.

This incident rekindles memories of the 2001 attack when Pakistani terrorists assaulted the Indian Parliament, resulting in the martyrdom of nine individuals, including Delhi Police jawans. The police successfully neutralized five terrorists in the ensuing operation. The recent breach underscores the ongoing challenges in safeguarding one of the nation’s most vital institutions, prompting a thorough reevaluation of security protocols.