NEW DELHI, India: The refusal by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Thambi Durai, to direct the Government to make a state meant on the Amnesty. International report indicting the Provincial Armed Constabulary’s role in the Meerut riots let to a walkout by almost the entire Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

‘The report has charged the PAC ‘with perpetrating repression on the members of the minority community.

The lone BJP member and two National Conference (F) members ‘who were in the House did not join the protest walkout. One National Conference (FF) Member, Mr. Say fuddin Soz, however, demanded an immediate statement from the ‘Home Minister on the issue,

The leader of the Janata Party, Mr. Madhu Dandavate, raised the issue immediately after question hour, stating that he had given Notice of an adjournment motion on the Amnesty International re [port for immediate discussion.

Mr. Thambi Durai, who was in the chair, disallowed the motion following which Mr. Dandavate, Supported by other Opposition members, demanded that the Home Minister, Mr. Buta Singh,

Should’ be directed to make a statement. The Deputy Speaker informed the members that he ‘Would find out the facts from the Government and let them know. But this failed to satisfy the agitated  members, particularly Mr. G~ M; Banatwalla (Muslim League), Syed Shahabuddin (Janata), Mr Sultan Salahuddin (Ind) and Mr Mohammad Mahfooz Ali Khan (Lok Dal).

Despite a threat by them to stage a walkout, the Chair did not direct the government to make a statement. This led to a vociferous demand for a statement by Mr. Dandayate, Mr. Dinesh Go swami (AGP), Mr. Basudev Acharya and several other CPI members, Mr. ‘Thambi Durai remained unmoved and this led to the walkout.

The Lok Sabha was adjoined for the day, almost one hour before schedule, for want of quorum, adds UNI.

‘The adjournment was announced after Mr. Piyush Tirky (RSP) pressed for a division after the <debate on his constitutional amend ment Bill demanding atonomous district councils for the schedule areas inhabited by tribes.

Mr. Somnath Rath, who was in the chair, ordered the lobbies to be cleared. Voting was also necessary as it was a constitutional amendment Bill. The result of the voting showed that only 47 members were present with 36 opposing the Bill,

Mr. Tirky pointed out that there ‘Was no quorum in the House for even conducting the business  which the Chair conceded.

Mr Rath then announced that voting on the Bill would be post poned till the next private members’ business day and adjourned the House.

Article extracted from this publication >>  December 4, 1987