Varanasi blasts: Parliament adjourned

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Last updated on: March 08, 2006 12:48 IST

Tuesday's serial blasts in Varanasi rocked both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday as the opposition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party raised slogans holding the government responsible for the incidents.

Both Houses were adjourned for the day.

As soon as the Lok Sabha assembled, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee read out a statement condemning the "heinous acts of violence" in Varanasi.

As he finished the statement, BJP members were on their feet vociferously raising slogans against the government. Repeated pleas by the speaker to restore order and his assurance that he would allow a discussion on the matter fell on deaf ears.

When BJP members stormed the well, the speaker adjourned the House till 1200 hours.

Urging people to maintain communal harmony and peace, the speaker said, "The senseless acts of violence are being committed in a nefarious attempt to disturb the even tempo of our life and to affect India's unity and integrity."

"I am sure all of you would join me in strongly condemning the most heinous acts of violence that have been committed at Varanasi," he said.

"Our people should, in a united manner, continue our fight against such acts of terrorism and violence. We reiterate our strong resolve never to surrender to such criminal acts and we resolve to maintain peace and tranquility and complete harmony amongst all the citizens of our country," the speaker said.

The House stood for a short while after the speaker ended his statement expressing condolences to members of bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery to the injured.

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