Two Men Jump from Gallery, Release Tear Gas in Lok Sabha
In a massive security breach at the heart of India’s democracy, two men jumped from the visitors’ gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber today, throwing tear gas and smoke bombs amidst frightened MPs.
The dramatic incident occurred around 11:30 am on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Proceedings were immediately adjourned as smoke filled the hall and MPs scrambled toward the exits. The men, identified as Jagdeep Singh and Sagar Sharma, were quickly detained by security forces.
Table: Timeline of Key Events in Lok Sabha Breach
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 11:30 am | Two men jump from visitor’s gallery into Lok Sabha chamber |
| 11:32 am | The men open tear gas canisters; smoke fills the hall |
| 11:35 am | Marshals detain the intruders; MPs evacuated |
| 11:45 am | Lok Sabha adjourned following the security breach |
The attack sent shockwaves through the political establishment on a day meant to commemorate the martyrs of the 2001 assault in which 9 people were killed when armed terrorists stormed Parliament House. While the intruders today were unarmed, it underscored glaring security flaws that allowed them to penetrate such a high-security zone.
BJP Under Fire; MPs Seek Investigation
As questions swirled about how the dramatic security breach could occur, the opposition Congress party lashed out at the ruling BJP government over the incident. “It is a matter of great shame for the Modi government and exposes the poor security arrangements in place,” thundered Congress Parliamentary Leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to revamp security protocols, but faced criticism over the high-profile failure. He asserted that a thorough investigation is underway. “The Home Ministry has taken this issue very seriously,” Shah stated. “The enquiry will be completed soon.”
The breach also turned up heat on the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry led by Pralhad Joshi. Marshals were slammed for their delayed response which allowed the chaos to spiral out of control.
Outraged MPs across party lines demanded a full investigation and overhaul of security mechanisms to prevent any such episodes in the future.
Spotlight on Visit Clearances; MP Simha in Hot Water
Further controversy erupted when it emerged that the intruders had gained access to Parliament using passes issued by BJP MP Pratap Simha from Karnataka.
Simha admitted that the infiltrators were among a group he had invited, ostensibly to observe Parliamentary proceedings. He contended that he followed all protocols in securing clearance, but critics alleged negligence in vetting procedures for granting visitor access.
As political furor grew, Simha tendered an apology in Lok Sabha. But the opposition continued calls for his resignation over the damaging security breach.
Protester Sharma Wanted ‘Martyrdom’; Cites Farm Law Agitation
Sagar Sharma, one of the intruders detained, is a resident of Lucknow associated with farmer protests against agriculture reform laws.
In statements to the police, Sharma proclaimed he desired “martyrdom” to highlight farmer distress and entered Parliament deliberately to court arrest.
His family confirmed he left home on Monday, informing them of plans to participate in a protest demonstration in Delhi. This underscores that today’s breach was a coordinated plan by elements seeking to exploit grievances over farm laws.
Sharma was previously detained last December during demonstrations against the Agnipath defense recruitment scheme. His background links today’s dramatic actions to wider undercurrents of unrest among certain activism circles.
Ominous Signs of Growing Radicalization
Experts pointed to worrying signals that extreme protest tactics embraced by groups like those behind today’s attack could inspire “copycat” incidents if urgent action is not taken.
They drew parallels to a September episode when a man forcefully entered the high-security Apex Court and allegedly threatened judges over delays in a case linked to religious conversion controversies.
While an isolated act, analysts caution it indicated “experimentation with more aggressive methods” by anti-establishment groups that should deeply concern authorities.
Swift Response Needed to Plug Glaring Holes
As stunned MPs returned to Lok Sabha this evening, it was clear that a vigorous response is imperative to address perilous shortcomings in Parliament security that enabled this breach. Police boosted deployments while marshals initiated stricter access protocols, but larger structural changes are essential.
Cybersecurity measures must also be enhanced after recent attacks on critical infrastructure like AIIMS hospital systems hinted at the vulnerability of Parliament networks. Advanced screening technologies should be urgently installed, alongside retraining programs for security personnel found lacking today.
Most importantly, political factions must be galvanized toward bipartisan solutions rather than partisan squabbling. With Parliament the enduring emblem of India’s vibrant democracy, no pains must be spared to safeguard this monument to the republic.
Anniversary Attack Looms Large as Questions Remain
As the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 strike draws to a close, the echoes of tear gas explosions in Lok Sabha are a chilling reminder of one of the darkest days in India’s Parliamentary history.
The 2001 attack left nine dead in its wake. Its shadow looms large in the collective psyche as unanswered queries still shroud the full truth behind the brazen assault on the temple of democracy. Masterminds like Masood Azhar continue to evade justice.
While today’s breach pales in comparison, its coming on the heels of the 2001 anniversary infuses the episode with symbolic weight. For many MPs present then and now, the flashbacks would have been vivid and visceral.
What is clear is that India’s Parliament remains vulnerable despite efforts since 2001 to erect impenetrable security barriers. Today’s infiltrations demonstrate the perseverance of threats – whether from armed terrorists or activist demonstrators – that continue to target the seat of national governance. Constant vigilance is essential to safeguard the sterile zone so audaciously violated today.
After the cacophony of intruders shattering calm in Lok Sabha, there are penetrating questions about shortcomings that must be addressed with utmost gravity. As Amit Shah concurred, the sweeping investigation must leave no stones unturned. Nothing less than the integrity of Indian democracy is at stake.
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