In a daring operation, six suspected terrorists Thursday morning struck at the high-security Parliament house setting off massive blasts followed by a heavy exchange of fire with police and security forces. Six terrorists had sneaked into Parliament house. All six have been killed. One militant died when the bomb wrapped around his body blasted.

Six Delhi policemen have also been killed in the encounter. Dozens, who have been injured including an ANI cameraman, have been rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital.

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Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was in the Parliament house shortly before the attack and is safe, the PMO said. The Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi and all MPs are safe.
Home minister L K Advani, a number of other ministers and over 200 MPs were holed up in the central hall of parliament as firing continued for well over 45 minutes.

The Army was called in and NSG and SPG took position inside the Parliament precincts.

The militants came in a white ambassador, which had a Parliament pass and an India Habitat Centre sticker. They were dressed like security personnel. The terrorists entered from Gate No. 12. This is an area where the OB vans of press are stationed. It is also the gate from where there is a large amount of VIP movement and cars of politicians like Sonia Gandhi enter.

No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the act so far but it is feared that this may be the work of Lashkar-e-Toiba.
Bureau Report