Lok Sabha stalled after uproar over Sarabjit's death, other issues

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha proceedings were paralysed today as members created uproar over the death of Sarabjit Singh, acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in anti-Sikh riots case and Chinese incursions.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, Akali Dal members rushed to the Well waving placards and demanding appeal in court against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in anti-Sikh riots case. They held placards demanding a Supreme Court monitored Special Investigation Team to go into the "1984 genocide".

Several members were also seen raising the issue of the death of Sarabjit Singh after a murderous assault in Pakistan's Kot Lakhpat jail last week.

BJP members stormed the Well raising anti-Pakistan slogans in protest against Sarabjit's death. "Pakistan down down," they chanted.

SP members were also in the Well raising slogans against the government over the issue of Chinese incursions in Ladakh and wanted the government to respond in the matter.

In view of the din, Speaker Meira Kumar adjourned the proceedings till 11:30 AM.

Similar scenes were witnessed when the House reassembled, prompting M Thambidurai (AIADMK), who was in the Chair, to adjourn the proceedings till noon.

When the House met again, there was a repeat of the scenes witnessed earlier.

In the midst of the uproar, Speaker Meira Kumar moved a resolution condemning the murderous assault on Sarabjit.

"This House expresses its deep sense of shock and sorrow on the sad demise of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian citizen in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore in Pakistan today after he was brutally assaulted by his fellow inmates in a Pakistan jail," said the resolution.

"This House condemns the inhuman treatment meted out to Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan jail and hopes that the culprits will be brought to book," it said.

Lok Sabha mourned the demise with members standing in silence for a while as a mark of respect to Sarabjit.