In major security lapse on Parliament attack anniversary, 2 youths spray pungent fumes in Lok Sabha, raise ‘won’t tolerate dictatorship’ slogans
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TNR Desk
DHARAMSHALA: In a shocking security lapse on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament House attack of December 13, 2001, in which nine persons were killed, two youths disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (December 13, 2023).
The breach unfolded as one youth, seated in the visitors’ gallery, leaped into the House chamber, climbing desks and raising slogans “tanashahi nahi chalegi” (won’t tolerate dictatorship). Simultaneously, another youth dangled from the gallery, spraying yellow-coloured fumes into the Lok Sabha.
Security officials promptly detained both intruders, initiating an ongoing interrogation. The incident has ignited concerns about the adequacy of security measures in the newly constructed Parliament building.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Lok Sabha MPs reported a foul-smelling gas being sprayed inside the chamber, causing irritation to the eyes. The origin of the gas and how the intruders managed to bring canisters into the heavily guarded premises remains unclear.
Speaking to a news outlet, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said one intruder jumped around the chamber while the other sprayed an unknown substance. TMC leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh expressed shock, emphasising that the youths raised slogans during the breach.
Congress leader Karti Chidambaram labeled the incident as a “second attack on Parliament”, expressing concern about the potential toxicity of the fumes. MPs confirmed that the intruders shouted, “Tanashahi nahi chalegi” (won’t tolerate dictatorship).
No MPs were injured during the breach. Some MPs even managed to initially restrain the intruders before security forces intervened. The breach occurred during the Lok Sabha’s zero hour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda were not present in Parliament during the incident as they were attending swearing-in ceremonies for chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The incident raises serious questions about the overall security protocols in place at the new Parliament building.
