NEW DELHI: Opposition members today created a ruckus in the Lok Sabha, tearing papers and raising slogans in the Well to protest the incidents of lynching by cow vigilantes, with the government saying killing in the name of cow protection is wrong and the states should deal with them.
The noisy protests by the members of the Congress and other opposition parties erupted soon after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan disallowed their adjournment notice over the "barbaric and shameful" incidents of lynching.
The angry opposition stormed into the Well, tore papers and shouted anti-government slogans.
Soon after the completion of the Question Hour, Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge said minority communities, dalits and women were living in an atmospehere of terror and fear.
Prime Minister has asked cow vigilantes not to take law in their hand, but such incidents keep happening and no action is taken against them.
"The Prime Minister and Home Minister should attend the House when the issue is discussed," Kharge said.
TMC member Sougata Ray said cow vigilantes were on a "rampage" across the country since the present government has come to power. Depsite the Prime Minister asking them not to take law in own hand, no one is listening to him, he said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that the entire country believes that "cow is our mother" and should be protected. However, he will not tolerate if anyone takes law in their own hand. "In 2016, the Centre had issued an advisory to the states... Law and order is a state subject and state governments should take action," Kumar said, adding that the government is aware of the situation and will not tolerate any hooliganism.
A dissatisfied opposition, including members of the Congress, TMC and CPI(M), stormed the Well and raised slogans like 'Gau Raksha Ke Naam Pe Hatya Bandh Karo' (Stop killing people in the name of protecting cows), 'Khoon Kharaba Bandh Karo' (Stop all killings), 'Desh Ko Todne Nahi Denge' (We will not allow to divide the country).
As Congress members continued to create ruckus in the House and tore papers and threw them towards the Chair, Kumar demanded action against them.
"If the Opposition want to speak, they should give notice. The entire House condemns such action. We don't accept such action from the Congress party. This is shameful and action should be taken against the members who threw papers towards the Chair," Kumar said.
An angry Speaker said "the entire country should watch this incident".
Torn papers were scattered on the floor near Secretary General Anoop Mishra's seat.
Amid the continued din, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings at around 1250 hours till 1400 hours