'Govt misled House on Namtara firing'

Opposition Congress on Friday brought a privilege notice against Parliament Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stating that they have misled the Assembly by furnishing wrong information relating to the Namtara village firing incident in Kendrapada district.

During Zero Hour, Congress Member Debendra Sharma said Arukh while replying to an adjournment motion on behalf of the Chief Minister on March 11 said police had not resorted to firing on Namtara villagers who were protesting against the location of the liquor shop at the village. But a news report published in a daily on Friday reveals that six persons have received bullet injuries as the police had resorted to indiscriminate firing on the mob.

“Minister Arukh and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is also Home Minister, have committed breach of privilege by misleading the House. They need to be punished,” Sharma said. Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said Arukh’s reply has damaged the House’s integrity. The Government has misled the House. “It is disrespect for all the members of the House. The Congress condemns it and seeks a ruling from you (the Speaker),” Bahinipati said and demanded that the fact be presented in the House.

Similarly, Congress member Prafulla Majhi said the Minister’s reply was misleading. He said police could have used water cannon and other measures to control the crowd.