Kapil Sibal questions Amit Shah’s silence over pellet gun use on students in New Delhi
New Delhi : Senior Indian lawyer and Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has questioned Home Minister Amit Shah’s silence over the use of pellet guns against students during the July 20 protest march in New Delhi, saying the minister must explain the government’s position in Parliament.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Kapil Sibal in a media interview said even if authorities had taken responsibility for the action, the Home Minister must address Parliament and clarify the government’s position.
He said, “Even if the District Magistrate (DM) or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) takes responsibility, the Home Minister should still issue a statement. Why isn’t the Home Minister speaking? Because he has no answer. No one can use pellet guns without permission. Such powers are granted by the highest authorities.”
He further said that pellet guns could be used only under exceptional circumstances and questioned why the Home Minister has not addressed Parliament on the issue.
“If any situation arises, then they can use such measures. That is why the Home Minister is not coming to Parliament and has not given any statement. Some in the ruling dispensation initially rejected the reports that pellet guns were used, but when it became known that they were used, the Home Minister stayed silent. Therefore, whatever Rahul Gandhi said is true.”
The remarks come a day after a heated exchange in Parliament over comments made by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill.
During his speech in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered police to fire at the protesters triggering strong objections from members of the National Democratic Alliance, who described the allegations as false and demanded an apology.
Later during the day, the Congress member intensified attack on the Home Minister Amit Shah over the police excesses against students, during the July 20 protest march to Parliament.
