The proceedings of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) have been suspended until 2 PM local time following the incident.
Major Security Breach in Indian Parliament
Proceedings of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) have been suspended until 2 PM local time after two men jumped into the MPs’ area from the visitors’ gallery and sprayed colored smoke while MPs and the speaker were around them. The security breach occurred on the 22nd anniversary of the deadly attack on the Parliament complex.
Terrifying Memories of the 2001 Parliament Attack
The incident brought back chilling memories of the time when the Parliament was attacked by terrorists in 2001. Coincidentally, the attack happened on this very date 22 years ago.
Details of the Incident
Two men jumped from the gallery before taking something from their shoes that released the smoke. The two individuals were apprehended by the police according to reports. According to unverified reports, the two were chanting slogans such as “We will not accept dictatorship”.
Politicians’ Statements
MP Rajendra Agarwal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who was presiding over the session, stated that the men jumped from the gallery before taking something from their shoes that caused the smoke. He said, “The security authorities have apprehended them. An investigation is ongoing, and we will know what their motive was and whether they are linked to any organization.”
Speaking to reporters outside the building, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “Two young men jumped from the gallery and threw something that emitted gas. They were caught by the MPs and taken away by security personnel. The session has been suspended until 2 PM. This is certainly a security breach as we are commemorating the memories of those who sacrificed their lives in 2001 today.”
Investigation and Arrests
Speaker of the House Om Birla confirmed that they are investigating the incident and have requested Delhi Police to join the investigation. He added that according to initial investigations, it appears that the smoke sprayed in the House was “non-harmful”.
At the same time, two other individuals – a man and a woman – were detained for protesting outside the Parliament by releasing colored smoke canisters. They were subdued and taken away by the police.
Banon Threat
Earlier, a threat from pure terrorist Gurbtwant Singh Banon prompted increased security measures in the Parliament. In a video, Banon stated he would target the Parliament on December 13. The winter session of Parliament began last Monday and is expected to continue until December 22.
The Parliament resumed operations at 2 PM Indian time with Speaker Om Birla stating, “We will discuss the arrangements. No one can stop the functioning of the House. I will call everyone one by one. The smoke has been investigated, and there is no need for anyone to worry.”
(With inputs from news agencies)
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