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Indian Prime Minister calls attack on parliament "an assault on the na
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has condemned an assault by five unidentified gunmen on India's Parliament, describing it as a terrorist attack "on the entire nation" and has vowed a "do or die battle" to end terrorism.
The attack prompted a lengthy shootout with security forces which left 12 dead, including the attackers.
The gunmen's identity was not immediately clear, but Home Minister L.K. Advani said investigations pointed to a "major conspiracy" aimed at destabilising the entire country.
The attack took place just minutes after both houses of parliament had adjourned early for the day and although Mr Vajpayee was not present, senior ministers were in the house at the time along with more than 300 MP's.
Officials and witnesses said the gunmen drove into the parliament complex through the outer perimeter in an official car -- displaying parliament and home ministry security stickers.
They then jumped from the car and, armed with AK-47s, grenades and plastic explosive burst through the main VIP entrance to the parliament building itself, firing as they went.
Five police constables, one parliament security official and a member of the gardening staff were also killed and around 20 others injured in the exchange of fire.
14/12/01 5:08:13 | ABC Radio Australia News
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