NEW DELHI : The resolution passed by the Pakistan Parliament on the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru today rocked the Rajya Sabha with the Opposition BJP demanding a statement by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.
Raising the issue immediately after obituary references to ex-members Tindivanam G Venkataraman and C O Poulose, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said, ”it is an official statement coming from the combined polity of Pakistan. It is an official stamp of approval on the worst terrorist attack (the attack on Parliament) that took place in India.”
Mr Jaitley said, ”The polity of Pakistan had condemned the action of sentencing (of Afzal), the beheading of our soldiers, the bomb blasts in Mumbai and the attack in Srinagar.
”This clearly shows Pakistan’s intentions.”
Calling upon the Government to make their stand clear in the matter, he said, ”We cannot keep on being kicked around. The PM and the External Affairs Minister should make a statement in the matter.”
Responding to the sentiments of the members, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said, ”The House is unanimous in agreeing that the Pakistan Parliament should not have passed such a resolution. We condemn it. The Government is ready for a debate on the issue whenever the House wants.”
Later, during the Zero Hour, Deputy Leader of the BJP Ravi Shankar Prasad, raising the matter, said, ”The Leader of the Opposition has raised an important issue about Pakistan Parliament passing a resolution on Afzal’s execution. I want to know when the PM and the External Affairs Minister will make a statement in the matter.
To which, Mr Shukla said, ”The Leader of Opposition has proposed a structured debate on the issue. The Government will respond to that.
”I urge the Chair to fix the time for the debate.”
Seeking to pacify the Opposition members, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said, ”The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs will convey the sentiments of the members to External Affairs Minister.” (AGENCIES)
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