The Hindu : National : Lok Sabha condemns killing

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Friday, Nov 25, 2005

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National

Lok Sabha condemns killing

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday condemned the killing of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) driver Ramankutty Maniappan in Afghanistan.

Describing his kidnapping and execution as a "barbaric act," Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said the House "hopes that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice at the earliest."

The Speaker made a reference to Maniappan's death as soon as the House met. Conveying its "heartfelt condolences" to the bereaved family, he said: "The House expresses its deep shock and profound grief over the killing of Mr. Maniappan, an employee of the BRO by his abductors on November 23, 2005, in Afghanistan.

Maniappan was working on the Zaranj-Delaram road construction under the aegis of the India-Afghan Friendship Project."

However, Mr. Chatterjee refused to allow members to raise the issue, saying the Chair making the statement meant the entire House condemned the killing.

Still, some members — particularly from Kerala — insisted on continuing with their statements and were satisfied only when the Speaker said a discussion would be allowed if proper notices were given.

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