Ruckus in UP Assembly; walkout by Opposition BSP, BJP

Lucknow, March 9: Opposition BSP and BJP on Monday created ruckus in Uttar Pradesh Assembly on the issue of attacks on policemen in the state and staged walkout alleging that the assailants enjoyed patronage of ruling Samajwadi Party, a charge refuted by the government.

Replying to a question raised by Suresh Kumar Khanna (BJP) on attacks on policemen in the state since March 2012 to September 2014, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan said 622 such cases have come to light during the period.

"FIRs have been filed and legal action initiated against 3,936 persons," he said.

Through a supplementary, Khanna wanted to know as to how many SP workers were involved in these attacks and wondered that if policemen were not safe, how could they provide protection to people, especially women.

Leader of the Opposition, Swami Prasad Maurya claimed that over 200 policemen have lost their lives in these attacks and staged a walkout.

Swami Prasad Maurya claimed that over 200 policemen have lost their lives

Khan said police is acting tough with criminals and they were not getting any patronage from any quarter. Alleging politicisation of the police force, Khanna, who is also leader of BJP Legislature Party, claimed that in majority of cases SP workers were involved and staged walkout.

Khan, however, said it would have been better had the LoP expressed sympathy with bereaved families of brave policemen instead of staging walkout.

PTI