Pranab deplores attack on CPI(M) HQ

New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today told the Lok Sabha that the attack on A K G Bhavan, the national headquarters of the CPI(M), was highly deplorable in a democracy.

''In a democracy, political parties are integral part of the system. Assault on any political party is not acceptable,'' Mr Mukherjee, who is also the Leader of the House, said during Zero Hour.

''The incident of violence and vandalism at the CPM headquarters is deplorable.'' Mr Mukherjee said the investigation into yesterday's incident had already started and he would be able to share any information with the House only after the investigation was over.

He made his brief remarks on the CPM office attack, in which several Central Committee members were injured in stone throwing, even as the BJP members were shouting slogans from the well of the House against the killing of RSS workers in the Left parties-ruled Kerala.

UNI SH Mir AS1430