‘No link between Parliament security breach and MPs’ suspension': Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla
Two men jumped inside the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery above the chamber and threw smoke cannisters inside the Parliament on December 13, the day which marks the anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on Parliament.
Parliament security breach: Days after the major security breach in the Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla wrote a letter to all the members of Parliament, saying that it is a matter of grave concern. He also informed members of the House that he has constituted a high-level inquiry committee for an in-depth investigation of the incident.
Two intruders jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour and released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs on December 13, which marked the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament terror attack.
"The unfortunate incident that took place inside the House on 13 December 2023, is a matter of grave concern for all of us. We expressed our collective concern over this incident in the House. On the same day, I discussed with the leaders of all parties as to how we can further strengthen the security arrangements in Parliament. Some of the important suggestions made during the meeting have been implemented immediately," he said.
High-level inquiry committee constituted
The Lok Sabha Speaker further said that the high-powered committee has also been constituted to review security aspects in the Parliament Complex and formulate a concrete action plan to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
In his letter addressed to all the MPs, Om Birla wrote, "A high-level inquiry Committee has been constituted for an in-depth investigation of the incident that took place inside the House. The Committee has started working. The report of this Committee will soon be shared with the House. In addition, I have also constituted a high-powered committee that will review various aspects of security in the Parliament Complex and formulate a concrete action plan to ensure that such incidents do not recur."
"You are well aware that such incidents have happened in our House in the past as well. The nation has witnessed in the past incidents such as visitors carrying pistols, shouting slogans, jumping from the visitors' gallery and throwing leaflets. The nation has also witnessed an incident when some Hon'ble Members carried pepper spray inside the House. At the time of all such incidents, the House has displayed exemplary solidarity and expressed its collective resolve against such incidents. We are well aware that the security in Parliament House Estate comes under the jurisdiction of the Parliament. Accordingly, it is the Parliament's responsibility to formulate detailed action plan on security measures in accordance with your suggestions and thereafter their implementation is also the responsibility of Parliament," he added.
Om Birla on suspension of MPs
In his letter, the Lok Sabha Speaker also clarified that the suspension of 14 MPs had nothing to do with the December 13 incident. He said that the decision was to "uphold the sanctity of the House". "It is indeed unfortunate that some members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend some members from the service of the House to the incident which occurred on December 13. This is unwarranted. There is no association between the suspension of Members and the incident which took place on 13 December 2023. The suspension of Members is purely to uphold the sanctity of the House," he said.
"At the time of the inauguration of the new building of our Parliament, we had resolved that we will refrain from bringing placards inside the House; we will not create ruckus in the well of the House," Birla said.
"We are well aware that the people of our country do not appreciate the inappropriate conduct and interruptions during the proceedings of the House. That is the reason we were unanimous that we would establish highest standards of parliamentary decorum and dignity. It was in this context that the House was compelled to take strict action of suspending Hon'ble Members. Although this has caused me deep anguish, however, I also expect that in the future, all Members will give primacy to the dignity and decorum of the House," said the Lok Sabha Speaker.
He said that as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, it has always been his endeavour to ensure meaningful discussion in the House through constructive dialogue and participation of all the Members. "Our collective endeavour has resulted in ensuring that Lok Sabha has achieved new heights of productivity. I am sure that with our collective efforts, this House will be able to further strengthen democracy and continue to fulfill its responsibilities towards the people and the society in the future as well. It is my request to all the Hon'ble members that they faithfully discharge their duties towards the nation. I believe that I will continue to receive the cooperation and support from my esteemed colleagues," he added.
As many as 14 opposition MPs have been suspended from Parliament for the remainder of the Winter session for disrupting proceedings as the Lok Sabha security breach incident snowballed into a major row today with the government asking the opposition not to "politicise" the "grave national issue" and the Congress, TMC and others demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.
While TMC's Derek O'Brien was suspended in the Rajya Sabha, as many as 13 opposition MPs, including nine from the Congress and DMK's Kanimozhi, were suspended from the Lok Sabha for disrupting the proceedings.
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