Question Hour stalled in Parliament

NEW DELHI: Question Hour was stalled in both the Houses of Parliament today as UPA constituent DMK and opposition members created uproar over the arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka and the terror attack in Kashmir.

DMK and AIADMK members trooped into the Well of the LokSabha while three AIADMK members squatted in the Well of the RajyaSabha demanding that the government make efforts to ensure release of over 50 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan navy.

In the Lok Sabha, trouble began as soon as Speaker Meira Kumar made an obituary reference to the five CRPF jawans killed in a terror attack in Srinagar yesterday.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj demanded a statement on the attack from Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who was not present in the House.

"Does our duty get over after paying homage to the victims every time a terror attack takes place. They come here and behead our soldier, they dress up as sportsmen and carry out suicide attacks. How long will this continue," she asked.

BJP members were on their feet raising slogans against the government and demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Shinde's presence in the House.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Pawan Singh Ghatowar's assurance that the Home Minister would make a statement at noon failed to pacify the opposition members.

DMK, AIADMK, CPI and VCK members were in the Well waving placards demanding the release of Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan navy.

The Speaker made repeated appeals to the members to return to their seats and raise the issue during Zero Hour. As members were unrelenting, she adjourned the House till noon.