Uproar in Tamil Nadu House over fishermen killings in Sri Lanka

Chennai, July 17: The House witnessed uproarious scenes during Zero Hour after V Maitreyan (AIADMK) wondered that while the opposition members were so agitated over the killing of citizens in a distant land, they were not concerned over the killing of Tamil Nadu fishermen in Sri Lanka.

"I strongly condemn the killing of innocent civilians anywhere in the world, whether it is Palestine or Sri Lanka. I and my party are anguished that while they (opposition) are so concerned about the killing of citizens at a distant place, they are not concerned about killing of Tamil Nadu fishermen in neihgbouring Sri Lanka," he said.

Irked by his remarks, opposition members including those of Congress and Left parties were on their feet and entered the aisles while Maitreyan received support from treasury benches. Protesting members demanded that the "aspersions" cast by Maitreyan be expunged.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien sought to pacify the agitated members saying he will check the records and will expunge remarks if they have cast any direct or indirect aspersion against any member.

As uproar continued, Kurien adjourned the House till 2 PM. Leading the opposition attack, Congress accused the government of "disrespecting" and "diluting" institutions one after another and said that now they were trying to do so with Parliament. "The question is not what topic is to be discussed and when.

The question is that whether the Executive can over-rule the rights of the Legislature. In such a short span of time, this government has disrespected one institution after another in the country.

After Judiciary, they are now trying to disrespect Parliament. We will now allow it," Satyavrat Chaturvedi (Cong) said.

PTI