‘Was Ordinary Smoke… To Sensationalise’; Speaker Birla On Security Breach In Lok Sabha

New Delhi: The yellow smoke released by the two intruders in Lok Sabha was “ordinary smoke” and was meant for sensationalising the incident, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told the House after it reconvened at 2 pm on Wednesday.

“In the primary investigation, it has been found that that there is no need to worry about the smoke. The Lok Sabha is conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the incident which took place during the zero hour. The Delhi Police has also been issued necessary instructions,” he said.

The Speaker further said that two intruders were arrested from inside Parliament and two from outside and all their belongings seized. He also praised the security staff and MPs, who caught the intruder after two men jumped from the visitors’ gallery inside Parliament.

He also banned visitors’ pass and suspended entry of former MPs and PA to MPs in Lok Sabha.

Stating that an all-party meeting has been called to discuss the security breach, the Speaker then adjourned the House till 11 am on Thursday. “The incident that happened today is a topic of concern for all of us & is serious as well…A comprehensive review will be done regarding the security in the House…You can give your suggestions. We will act on them… What are the precautions that need to be taken while making visitors’ passes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police has reached Parliament House to question the people who caused the security breach.

Also Read: [Watch] Huge Security Breach In Lok Sabha On Parliament Attack Anniv As 2 With Canisters Jump From Visitors’ Gallery

In a video shared by news agency ANI, one of the intruders, wearing a blue jacket, was seen jumping on the chairs in the Lower House with someone in the background shouting, “pakdo isko” (catch him). Some eyewitnesses said that the intruders shouted “tanashahi nahi chalegi” (dictatorship won’t be accepted) before opening the smoke canisters that were hidden in their shoes.

Wednesday’s disruption came on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack on Parliament when five armed assailants shot dead at least eight security personnel and a gardener.