In the wake of the recent car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday, which claimed at least nine lives, memories have resurfaced of a prior terrorist attack on the historic site. On December 22, 2000, a group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants launched an attack on an army battalion stationed at the Red Fort, highlighting a shocking security breach at one of India's most significant national landmarks.

Around 9 p.m. that evening, three LeT terrorists breached the perimeter of the Red Fort, which housed a unit of the Indian Army's 7th Rajputana Rifles. Armed with automatic weapons, the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately within the barracks area. The sudden assault resulted in the immediate deaths of two army personnel, Rifleman Uma Shankar Singh and Naik Ashok Kumar, as well as a civilian guard named Abdullah Thakur. Several others sustained injuries during the attack.

The quick reaction team of the battalion swiftly retaliated, leading to a brief but intense gun battle. The exchange of fire forced the intruders to abandon their wider mission. However, before the Army could fully contain the threat, the terrorists managed to escape the Red Fort premises by scaling the boundary wall on the rear side of the complex under the cover of darkness.

The 2000 Red Fort attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based LeT, sent shockwaves across the country. The incident raised serious concerns about the security arrangements at the historic site and prompted a review of security protocols. Investigations revealed that the conspiracy to attack the Red Fort was hatched in Srinagar.

In the aftermath of the 2000 attack, security measures at the Red Fort were significantly enhanced. The attack also strained the already tense relations between India and Pakistan. Several individuals were convicted in connection with the attack, though some were later released due to lack of evidence. Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Bilal Ahmed Kawa, who planned and executed the terror attack, was arrested in 2018.

The recent car blast near the Red Fort has revived memories of the 2000 attack, prompting heightened security measures and investigations. The capital has been placed on high alert, with strict vigil being maintained at key locations. The incident is being investigated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Act.