The Hindu : National : Protest mars occasion

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Friday, May 11, 2007
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National

Protest mars occasion

Special Correspondent

New Delhi: Thursday's commemorative occasion in Parliament to mark the 50 years since 1857 was marred by members of the Akali Dal, who protested as soon as Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee stood up to speak. While nothing could be heard in the commotion that lasted barely a minute, later it was learnt that they were protesting against the description of the 1857 uprising as the First War of Independence.

Three MPs — Rattan Singh Ajnala and Virendra Singh Bajwa of the Akali Dal and Tarlochan Singh (independent) — tried to say something when Mr. Chatterjee began speaking.

Again there was a very brief commotion when Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat began reading out his address. This time Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal said something which, however, could not be heard.

Some of the protesters later told reporters that the 1845 Anglo-Sikh war should be described as the First War of Independence. Some other MPs, who did not want to be quoted, said they were shocked at this display of parochialism on the solemn occasion.

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