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I remember the day. I was in Jodhpur at that time, in the morning, getting ready for school. At that time, I was in 8th standard, couldn't believe that 10 years had passed since this painful incident. Who knew at that time that starting just like a normal day would shake the world till the end. In the morning a dog was crying weirdly the day started with this. When I returned home, after getting fresh, I switched on the TV to see the news firstly I couldn't able to get the context as the news was coming like both houses of the Indian parliament will observe two minutes of silence, PM Modi's tweet was flashed on the news screen. After 5 minutes I got to know that there was a terrorist attack in a school named Army Public School, Peshawar in Pakistan. I started crying at that time, till a couple of weeks whenever I remembered about this incident tears rolled down from my eyes.
What Happened on December 16?
On December 16, 2014, Pakistan witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its history—the brutal attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar. A group of heavily armed militants stormed the school, unleashing indiscriminate violence on innocent children and staff. The attack, orchestrated by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed the lives of over 150 people, including 134 children, leaving the nation in shock and grief.
Intending to cause the most harm possible, the assailants targeted the school during regular business hours. Classrooms were transformed into battlegrounds, and survivors told terrifying stories of terror. Intending to shatter the nation's morale by targeting its most defenseless citizens—its children—the shooters showed no compassion. But rather than instilling fear, the tragedy strengthened the nation's commitment to combat terrorism.
India's Reaction After This Horrific Attack
After the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and solidarity with Pakistan during this tragic time. His response was significant, as it highlighted the shared grief and human cost of terrorism, transcending political differences between the two neighboring nations.
PM Modi urged schools across India to observe a two-minute silence on December 17, 2014, to honor the lives lost in the APS attack. This act of solidarity underscored India's empathy with Pakistan during its time of mourning.
Putting aside the long-standing animosity between India and Pakistan, Modi's answer demonstrated a humanitarian attitude. Many people praised his acts as a show of compassion and a reminder of the universal suffering brought on by terrorism.
Reflecting the collective sorrow at the loss of innocent lives in Pakistan, the Indian Parliament replied with solemnity and unity. This terrible act of terrorism was unreservedly denounced in India across all party lines, notwithstanding the sometimes strained ties between the two countries.
Both houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)—strongly condemned the attack. Leaders described it as a barbaric act of terror that targeted the most innocent and vulnerable—schoolchildren. Members emphasized that terrorism is a global menace that needs to be eradicated.
Then Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with senior ministers and opposition leaders, called the attack an inhumane act that underscored the brutality of terrorism. Modi's statement outside Parliament emphasized India's empathy, stating that the pain of losing children in such a heinous manner is unimaginable. Home Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the incident, reiterating India’s firm resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.