NDA MPs thank Parliament securitymen for their 'supreme sacrifice'

New Delhi, Nov 22 (UNI) Opposition NDA MPs, led by Leaders of Opposition L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and BJP President Rajnath Singh, today paid homage to 11 security personnel, who laid down their lives while fighting with Pakistani terrorists during an attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001.

This happens to be the fifth anniversary of the Parliament attack and the Opposition ''deemed it appropriate'' to assemble and pay respects to the martyrs at specially-created plaque to remember the supreme sacrifice in defence of democracy.

Mr Advani said there was a plan to wipe out the entire leadership of the country across the board but the security forces foiled the attempts of the Pakistani terrorists.

Talking to newspersons, Mr Rajnath Singh took great exception to the attempts of the government to delay the hanging of Mohammad Afzal Guru, sentenced to death for his role in the Parliament attack.

''If the delay is because of fear, it was a shame on the rulers, and if it was for gaining political advantage then the party strongly condemn the attitude,'' he added.

The BJP is holding two Suraksha Sankalp rallies of party workers at Samata Sthal and Birla Mandir today, which will be addressed by Mr Advani and Mr Rajnath Singh respectively.

The two will be leading a march towards the Parliament Street, where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is scheduled to address the rally.

UNI MCN RL HS1128