Maharashtra violence forces LS adjournment twice

New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) Violence against North Indians in Maharashtra rocked the Lok Sabha today with the Opposition forcing two adjournments in the pre-lunch sitting, demanding intervention by the Centre.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjourned the House for 10 minutes till 1200 hrs and again at 1220 hrs, till 1400 hrs, as Opposition members were on their feet, seeking an explanation from the government.

Pandemonium prevailed before the first adjournment as Shiv Sena leader Anant Gheete remarked that those who were not allowing him to speak in the House were respondible for the violence against non-Marathis.

The issue was raised by Mr Prabhunath Singh (JD-U) during Question Hour, maintaining that the serious development posed a threat to the country's unity and integrity. He said the attacks followed an 'unnecessary objectionable' speech made by the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in Mumbai.

Pointing out that Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, was the country's financial capital where people from various states and regions were active participants in business tradings, took exception to the remarks made by MNS leader Raj Thackeray against people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh celebrating 'Chhat' puja in Maharashtra.

BJP and other non-UPA members also raised their voices against the violence in Maharashtra.

The unruly scene resulted in two adjournments.

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