'227 Statement by [ ] Prime Minister 228

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER

Recent deveplonments in Maldives SHRI' VISHVJIT P. SINGH THE PRIME MINISTER (SHRI RAJIV (Maharashtra): |Mr. Subramanian Swamy, GANDHI): Madam Deputy Chairman. . . where is Mr. Jethmalani today. ' SHRI JASWANT SINGH (Rajas-than): SHRI V. GOPALSAMY (Tamil Can we have copies? Nadu): On a point of order. Mem bers of Parliament should not wear THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: It is not a very long statement. It does not matter. badges. It is against the rules. Some of the Members______Okay, he has re SHRI ; We have some moved the Congress badge. problems with the copies because I though I should come to the House at the earliest occasion. If you want to wait for the copies, 1 am willing to delay the ^statement till the copies are ready and .given to you: I leave it to the House . . . (Interruptions)... We have only just completed the statement because the information has only just come in. I thought I would come straight to the House and let you have it... (Interruptions).. .

SHRI ALADI ARUNA alias V. ARUNACHALAM (); It is quite an unconvincing reply... (Interruptions) ...

SHRI V. GOPALASAMY (Tamil Nadu): By now you could have given the copies. SHRI SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY: You are giving us spot news!

SHRI RAJIV GANDHI: Madam Deputy Chairman, I rise to apprise the House about recent developments in the Maldives. In the morn, ing yesterday, we received reports that the capital of out friendly neighbour, the Maldives, was under attack from a group of mercenaries apparently recruited by disgruntled, expatriate Maldvian citizens. These mercenaries arrived by ship. After landing jn the capital, Male, at about tour in the morning yesterday, they quickly captured some key Govern-

229 Statement by [ 4 NOV. 1988 ] Prime Minister 230 ment buildings, including the radio station, House about the background of our action in the TV station and the cum-mumcations support of the democratically elected centre. They also sui, rounded the Presidential government of a friendly neighbouring Palace. They were reported to have taken country. hostage one senior Government Minister and a large number of civilians. The objctive of I am proud to report that our troops have the operation, clearly, was to overthrow the carried out their assigned task in an exemplary democratically elected Government of fashion in the highest traditions of the Indian Maldives. Armed Forces. They successfully completed their major mission by around 2.30 this [Mr Chairman in the Chair.] morning. The safety of the President and senior members of his government was ensured. The operation have been carried out President Gayoom managed to elude the in an extremely tight time frame without a attackers and took refuge in an area outside single Indian casualty till now. More troops the Presidential Palace. Shortly thereafter we have landed in the Maldives during the early received a formal appeal for urgent military hours of this morning to ensure the assistance to put down this plot. This request availability of an adequate force to meet any was repeated by Maldivian emissaris in conti-gency. Some armed rebels have been arid New York. According to captured. Mopping up operations are reports that we were receiving at regular inter- continuing. We would like to withdraw our vals, the situation was critical. troops at the earliest. We are in touch with President Gayoom and hope that the Maldives is a peaceful country, with no withdrawal can begin today. Armed Forces except a small force to maintain law and order. President Gayoom is Presidet Gayoom telephoned me early this the democratically elected and popular morning and expressed his deep appreciation President of this friendly neighbour of ours. of our prompt and timely assistance. We are He was re-elected for a third term in office as happy to have been of assistance to the recently as September 23, 1988, securing over friendly people of the Maldives, with whom 95 per cent of the votes polled. Maldives is we have always enjoyed close and warm ties. also one of our closest and friendliest The attempt to spread terror and undermine neighbours. It appealed to us in desperation in peace and stability in our region has been its grave hour of need. After carefully, frustrated. II am sure the House would wish to considering this appeal, we felt that we must join me in conveying the country's wishes and respond positively and go to the aid of a the people good wishes and support to friendly neighbour facing a threat to its President Gayoom and the people of the Mal- sovereignty and its democratic order. dives.

Accordingly, two IAF aircraft with about SHRI ALADI ARUNA alias V. 300 paratroopers of the Indian Army were ARUNCHALAM; This is not a case of despatched yesterday evening on a Bangladesh. reconnaissance mission with carefully SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; We extend to our preplanned options. Later last night, I briefed Armed Forces our appreciation and warmest leaders of the Opposition of the action taken. I am glad to inform the House that troops congratulations. applause from the successfully landed near Male. I take this Opposition at least in our Armed Forces. This opportunity to inform the was an operation involving coordi- 231 Statement by [RAJYA SABHA] Prime Minister 232

[Shri Rajiv Gandhi] nation between all lar developments in the SAARC three wings of the Services. The country is 'region in general? proud of the speed and efficiency with which Thank you. the operation was planned and executed. SHRI JASWANT SINGH: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman, Sir, our response to Sir, I do lend my voice to the hon. Prime developments in the Maldivies is a clear Minister when it comes to conveying our manifestation of our commitment to the good wishes to the people of Maldives and promotion of peace and stability in our region. commending the action of the Indian Armed It is in keeping with our belief that countries Forces. But I have some clarifications to seek in the region can resolve their problems in a and I would request the hon. Prime Minister spirit of friendship and cooperation free of to enlighten us about them. outside influences. We have kept in., touch There are reports, Sir, that a request for with a number of friendly countries on these assistance was made by President Gayoom to developments. I am happy that the response to and to the United States of America and at our constructive approach, both in our ~ the process of the request from President neighbourhood and elsewhere. has been Gayoom, India held consultations with the positive and indeed heartening. Government of the United States of America and at their suggestion sent troops to Maldives. Thank you. Sir. I would be grateful if the hon. Prime Minister would clarify whether any consultation were PROF. CHANDRESH P. THAKUR held with the Government of the U.S.S.R. and (Bihar): Mr. Chairman, Maldives is our what their response or advice was to us. friendly neighbour, and it is a member of the Secondly, there is also a question of intelligence SAARC group of countries. We were in this entire development. I would request the expecting the President of that country to hon. Frime Minister to clai'ify. Is it correct that make a visit some time early this month. I President Gayoom was to visit India on 1st of would like two three clarifications in this November and that at the last minutes he regard on the basis of the statement made by cancelled-1 his projected visit to this country? the Prime Minister. Why was this visit cancelled? And if our Ambassador in Maldives is present in Are the developments in Maldives a part of when this incident happened in Maldives, that is any larger conspiracy to destabilise the south- not a very re-assuring sign. What was our eastern region and encircle India with centres intelligence about the possibility of these of tension? developments in Maldives? I would request the hon. Prime Minister to elaborate on this. Secondly according to the press report, an Thirdly, what are the provisions in the aircraft carrier is, perhaps, moving towardg SAARC Charter for such a contingency, Maldives. Do we know the identity of the particularly about prior consultations when aircraft carrier? If We know has any contact such contingencies arise? If no prior with the concerned country been established consultationT were held with other SAARC by the ? members keeping in -mind that a SAARC Thirdly, are the SAARC countries having meeting is due in early December, have any any constructive and coordinated approach consultations with other SAARC members towards this development in particular and been held now? simi- 233 Statement by [ 4 NOV. 1988 ] Prime Minister 234

Fourthly it is in the appreciation of the were told by the Prime Government of India that the Prime Minister 1.00 P.M. Minister yesterday when has said that he would wish to withdraw the we met him late in the troops today. He was good enough to inform night and also now that armed mer us that major task has been completed. Is cenaries captured some installations there a fixed time-frame of withdrawal today and also took over some people as or1 it is _going to dependent upon other hostages and the President escaped factors? their operations. Sir, the Govern ment of India has taken the second I have a question to seek on the option, the second alternative. I have identity of the group of these people. The nothing to comment on these alter official spokesman of the Government of natives. The Government of India yesterday in the afternoon, while India has received , request briefing the press about it, said various from the President of Maldives for things—that this group could be of Sri help and he was threatened by mer Lankan origin, that they speak Tamil, that cenaries and not by the army of any some of them speak Sinhala or speak both the other country. I emphasise the word languages. The spokesman suggested various "mercenaries". Sir it creates a differ things and the hon. Prime Minister has also ent kind of a situation when mer not yet clarified as to who these groups of cenaries invade a friendly country mercenaries were. Would he now enlighten us and try to stage a coup. The Gov about it? ernment has gone to the help of a friendly country and that country is Finally, along with the movement of Indian a member of SAARC. But I would troops, press reports also appeared regarding like to know who were at the back movement of an aircraft carrier. What is the of these armed mercenaries. There intelligence information of the report that the are Sinhalese. There are Tamils. Government of India has about this? They are speaking and Sinhalese language. P(ut who SHRI M. S. GURUPADASWAMY (Kai- are at the back of these mercenaries? nataka): As we see the developments in Is the ex-President, the former Pre Maldives, there were two courses open to the sident of Maldives at the back of this Government of India. One course was not to group or an ex-Minister who is interfere in Maldives' domestic affairs. In stationed in is at the back other words, one course was to follow strictly of this operation? the policy of non-interference in the domestic Secondly, what is the purpose of this affairs of another country. (Interruptions). coup It is not only to throw out the Legitimate Government of the President SHRI SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY: You who is elected but to installl a new regime, don't have the patience. The Prime Minister is it the main purpose behind this coup? will reply, not you. We would like to be told. Next, Sir, we have been informed that the SHRI M. S. GURUPADASWAMY: President tried to contact other countries also, Another course open to the Government of U.S., , U.K. and also India. What was India was and is to interfere, to help the the response of these Governments in this legitimate, legal and democratically elected regard? We would like more light thrown on Government of Maldives. These were the two this because the Prime Minister took us into options broadly open to us. We confidence yesterday night on. this also. If there is more information regarding this, I would request him to take us into confidence. Tell us about their reactions to the whole affair. I am told that some people died as 235 Statement by [ RAJYA SABHA ] Prime Minister 236

[Shri M. S. Gurupadaswamy] a result of this My question is, these things are happening in conflict. How many have died there? The Prime several countries, in our neighbourhood—in our Minister has also said that some mercenaries immediate neighbourhood, in our distant neigh- have been captured. If they have teen captured, bourhood—in other countries also, in the third they must have been interogated. Their motives, world, in the Commonwealth countries, in their purpose and the operation should have SAARC countries and all that. Governments are been known to the Government of India already. being overthrown. Democratically elected I would like the Prime Minister to tell us about Governments are being overthrown. There are what the mercenaries have told the charge sudden coups, military coups and other coups d'affaires of the India Government. also and unless we are clear in our mind in what Lastly, Sir, we are in the SAARC. I would type of situation we should indulge in such kind like to know whether the Prime Minister has of military intervention, we are likely to be bog- consulted informally the various members of ged down in a number of countries and I feel, that the SAARC community, regarding the steps should not be the intention of any country that we are going to take in respect of Maldives. because as we know, even in the case of Soviet I would like to know how long our troops will intervention in Afghanistan, our Gov- ernment have to be stationed in Maldives to stabilise the has taken a stand that they should withdraw as situation and whether the legitimately elected soon as possible and that has been done also. Government in Maldives is re-established, Similar things should not happen in our case also. whether they are functioning or yet to function Suppose, a democratically elected Government is and whether the mercenaries have already gone Overthrown and somebody legally takes the out of Maldives or still they are there. If they reins. The fallen ruler, whether the President or are there, if they are interrogated, what is their the Prime Minister, whoever it is, makes similar version of the story? request to come to his aid, what shall be our reaction? Shall we go? We went to Maldives SHRI PARVATHANENI UPEN-DRA because it was a democratically elected (Andhra Pradesh): Mr. Chairman, Sir, the Government which was being overthrown there. operation in Maldives, as per the Prime Shall we go if an illegal Government which has Minister's state- ment is over and our troops come to power illegally wants to stabilise itself? are being withdrawn from today. Therefore, as We know in our neighbourhood, something is far as this operation is concerned, there is happening. The Government is unpopular. They nothing to seek clarifications from the Prime are suppressing the people. They are killing the Minister. But I would like to pose a broader J people. Thousands of people are being killed. question to him in the context of the latest Suppose, such a Government also makes a incident. He was disappointed that we were not similar request to us to come to the aid of that cheering him when he was making the Government, to suppress the people, are you statement. But cnce bitten twice shy, he going to intervene? Therefore, there should be a taunted us in a similar manner when we sent clear idea in our mind in what type of a situation our troops to Sri Lanka, the IPKF, arid we we shpuld go, if at all, and when it is the duty of know, what type of misadventure today we are the Indian Government to militarily intervene. ""- in and how we are bogged down there. That is We have high praise for the Indian army and its why, whenever we go for a military operations. This operation is a very small intervention in any other country, we are a operation Maldives is a country of 2 lakhs little sceptical and scared also. That is why, we people have our own reservations in such operations. 237 Statement by [ 4 NOV. l988 ] Prime Minister 238

and Male is a small place. I think Peace means what type of peace? 5,000 people live there. That is why, Peace of the graveyard because you the Indian army could do the job have already sent troops, more than effectively. There is no doubt about a lakh of them, to a neighbouring it. Our army is one of the most country, Sri Lanka. (Interruptions). efficient armies in the world. But I Now you have sent troops to Mal want to know from the Prime Minis dives. At that time, you created ter what is the policy we are going your own quagmire, quicksands, in to adopt in such cases? Is it neces Sri Lanka and our troops are caught sary for India to militarily intervene, there. . _.- to lend moral support or some other support? Material support is different but to get bogged down in other MR. CHAIRMAN; We have followed Sri countries militarily and face all the Lanka. You proceed further. situations, monetarily or otherwise, is it the policy of the Government SHRI V. GOPALSAMY; Every day, 10 or and how far we can go in this res 15 or 20 IPKF soldiers are getting killed in Sri pect? Lanka. This is the concern of the country. (Interruptions). This is a problem you created. SHRI V. GOPALSAMY: Mr, Chair Today you have made a statetment that Mr. man. Sir, just now, -we listened to Gayoom made a request to this Government to the speech of our hon. Prime Minis sent the troops and you sent them there. Just ter ...... And he was jubilant in his like that Jayewardene made a request to this speech as if we have come victorious after a country. But, now, Mr. Piema-dasa... very challenging battle. Sir, I would like to (Interruptions). Therefore, you have bungled in know from the hon. Prime llinister whether Sri Lanka sending troops there You are killing India has assumed the role of the custodian Tamils with our own army. Therefore. I would of democracy for the countries... (Int- like to know from this Government whether erruptions) . this Government will send our troops turning the Indian army as mercenary forces at the SHRI PARVATHANENI UPEN- beck and call of every other country. (Interruptions). This Government is turning the DRA: Mr. Chairman, Sir, Mr. Dar- bara Singh is wearing a badge. Is it Indian armed forces as mercenary forces. You permissible inside the House? (In sent the troops to Sri Lanka. Now you have terruptions). sent them to counter another mercenary group in Maldives. (Interruptions) . Please listen. MR. CHAIRMAN; Now he has removed (Interruptions). it. SHRI ALADI ARUNA alias V. SHRI V. GOPALSAMY: Therefore, Sir, I ARUNACHALAM; This is the opinion. would like to know whether India has (Interruptions) .. . assumed the role of the custodian of democracy for all the countries, whether big or small, in the Indian Ocean region. Sir, to- MR. CHAIRMAN: Don't fight. (In- morrow, if something happens in Burma or terruptions). Mr. Aiadi Aruna, please sit down. in Pakistan and if the victims of insurrection - or public revolt make an appeal or request to this Government, will this Government take SHRI ALADI ARUNA alias V. such a step, sending troops to that country? ARUNACHALAM; He has every right to Our Prime Minister has just now applauded express his opinion. (Interruptions) . the role of Indian troops and their highest traditions. We are very much concerned about the peace in our region. 239 Statement by [ RAJYA SABHA ] Prime Minister 240

MR. CHAIRMAN: Please, sH. down, all of MR. CHAIRMAN: For that .one has to you. Mr. Gopalsamy, in seeking clarifications, go to Harvard. it will be better if we do not cast aspersions on SHRI SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY: I our Forces. (Interruptions). I think Mr. Aladi know. If you go to Cambridge you cannot Aruna will agree with me. (Interruptions). learn this thing. So I would like the Prime Minister to make an authoritative SHRI V. GOPALSAMY: I agree statement. If he is not prepared today, he with you, Sir. can do it sometime in future, about India's policy in this regard, because we have a MR. CHAIRMAN; There can be no million-plus strong army, the fourth largest aspersions cast on the army. army in the world. Most of i our neighbouring countries are small. They also SHRI V. GOPALSAMY; I cannot put the have problems from other countries. blame on the Forces. But I put the blame on Hence it is time that the Government the policy-makers, the Government, and the denned its doctrine and it is the duty of the Prime Minister. He is responsible for sending Prime Minister to tell us about it. Lastly, the troops. The troops are not responsible. The when is he going to visit the Maldives jawans are not responsible. It is the next? Government which is responsible. It is the policymakers who are responsible. Then you j SHRI RAJIV GANDHI. First on the took a decision to send the troops turning the aircraft carrier. We do not have any army as mercenary forces. Now you are information of any aircraft carrier moving making the same mistake again. So, will you towards the Maldives. There is no question send troops whenever you get a request from of our acting under the suggestion of any any neighbouring country? other country. Let me be very clear. We, take our own decisions we will continue to SHRI SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY: By take our own decisions and our decisions inclination I would not oppose sending, the will not be influenced by what others feel. Indian Army anywhere.' But there is the After we took our decision, and the ; question of policy. The point I would Hke to instructions were categorically given— ' the bring in sharp focus is this. (Interruptions) I CCPA decisions were taken yesterday only said 'by inclination'. It does not mean that morning—after that, we informed friendly I am in favour. Now the question that the Prime countries that we were going to take certain Minister owes an answer to in the House is, the actions. We did not give them details of what question to which we are seeking an aswer is, action we were going to take. We just did not what is your doctrine now? Because, these want a crossing of wires and problems at a problems are going to grow in our final point. So we wanted to make it clear neighbourhood. In our neighbourhood we have that we are taking action in a sense saying, a number of countries which have problems. So \Look you don't have to take action; we are there must be some kind of a doctrine. If you taking action.' We were in touch with both did not have a doctrine, the.i somebody else is the Ambassadors of the United States and the going to fill that vacuum. Maybe, it can be Soviet Union. We got support from both of called the Rajiv Doctrine like the Munore them. President Gayoom was to visit India— Doctrine. I do not know whether you have I am going the way I jotted the points; there heard about the Munrge Doctrine. They don't may be a little jumping. President Gayoom teach it in Doon School... was to visit India and he cancelled his visit. He telephoned me personally and said that he was unwell and he had some problems—I won't go into the details of the health problems that 241 Statement by [4 NOV. 1988] Prime Minister 242

he told me about—and that he was unable to It is difficult to say anything or talk about come because of that. Our Ambassador was in the identity of the leaders or the mercenarits. Delhi; he was in Delhi to receive President When I met the leaders the Opposition Gayoom. He had left just a few hours before I yesterday I mentioned the inputs that we have President Gayoom telephoned me If the got. But they are not properly confirmed and, telephone call had been there earlier, we could now, looking back on the information 'that we have stopped hun; but he had already left. And had got about the other things that were he was to go back and he went back on the first happening, I would say that there was much aircraft that went with our paratroopers in it. So, inaccuracy in the information that came to us he was there to give assistance to our people from various sources, not our own, from other when they arrived. countries, who wore contacting our Ambassadors and giving us information. And A number of people have talked about so, it would not be right of me. at this point in consulting the SAARC countries. Parliament to give a specific statement on who Unfortunately, I find that the Members have the people were or who the leaders were. not perhaps understood what SAARC is all about at all, because SAARC has nothing to One Member said that he was not cheering do with this, but the SAARc is purely an me on the statement and that I was looking economic arrangement and we consult the upset about it. I am not at all upset. But when countries in the SAARC and keep them the Opposition does not cheer me. I know that informed, not because they are SAARc I am doing something right... (.Interruptions) .. countries, but because they are our That was not what I was looking like. neighbours and we are living in the same area and functioning in the same area and so, The two points on which I expected support we had informed the Ambassadors and High from the Opposition, from the whole House, Commissioners of the SAARC countries this were—One: When I say that we should send our morning. We have not had any response good wishes, as the House, as the whole House, from the SAARC countries. to the people and the Government of Ma^ives, that has nothing to do with any party Some Members raised the question whether or sending troops or not sending troops, but it the troops withdrawal will be there and whether is a question of giving good wishes to that any time-frame will be drawn up and all that. Government after they have gone through a very As I have said, we would like to get them back difficult period. Two: It was with regard to starting today. But we have been asked by the the Armed Forces. And here I would like to take President to do the search operations and exception to the attitude that certain Members mopping up operations on other islands also. have towards our Armed Forces and I think it is So far, up to now, it was only done in Male. highly dangerous, it is highly non-patriotic and I We have now been asked to do this operation hope that they would change this attitude and on other islands also. Wo are not sure in how be a little mere positive about the Armed many other islands and how much he wants us Forces of the Nation. The Armed Forces of to do. We have to do this in consultation with India are highly dedicated forces and highly him. I would like to start the withdrawal today disciplined forces... (Interruptions) .. .and it is and we will contact him and, if he allows us, this sort of attitude which destroys the discipline we will start moving them back. He has also and des-| trovs the dedication. We have to be asked us to help in mopping up operation in - grateful to the Armed Forces of our country for the seas and we are trying to do that everything that they have rinno for nrntefting this nation. 243 Statement by [ RAJYA SABHA ] Prime Minister 244

SHRI V. GOPALASAMY: You are giving a all, at the highest platform. (Inter new theory on patriotism. Mr. Prime Minister, ruptions) . . you are giving a new theory on patriotism. If the armerl forces commit something wrong and SHRI PARVATHANENI UPENDRA: if we criticfse the Armed Forces, it is Please do not put our Armed Forces in an unpatriotic?... (Interruptions)... embarrassing position in other countries.

SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; Sir. my patriotism SHRI RAJIV GANDHI: I am not putting looks to the nation and not to the regions of the .the Armed Forces in any position. nation. One Member talked about guidelines. I SHRI V. GOPALSAMY: Patriotism is not would request the hon. Member to give us your monopoly... (Interruptions) ... his idea of what he thinks are good guidelines. I have more or less in my SHBI RAJIV GANDHI; Continuing on the statement given a certain amount of Armed Forces, I would like to say that the guidelines on why we moved. If I can go Armed Forces have protected the nation on a back and read it. I said: ' number of occasions and we have to he highly grateful to them for the sacrifice, discipline, "President Gayoom is the demo bravery, valour and professionalism of our cratically elected and popular Presi Armed Forces.. (Interruptions) dent Of this friendly neighbour of curs. He was re-elected for a third SHRI V. GOPALSAMY; What about the ' term in office as recently as Septem atrocities committed by the IPKF in Sri Lanka? ber 23. 1988, securing over 95 per (Interruptions) . .What about the atrocities cent of the votes polled. Maldives committed by the IPKF in Sri Lanka? .. is also one of our closest and friend (Interruptions) .. liest neighbours ...... SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; Sir. I take I look forward to a note or letter from strong objection, because I get the the hon. gentleman giving me the feeling that a certain Member is guidelines he thinks we should have. objecting to my praising our Armed But I don't know. Perhaps under the Forces. new scheme of things... (Interrup tions)...I don't know whether the SHRI SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY; No one. Telugu Desam has a right to give me SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; This is exactly any guideline any more. Maybe it what is being done. I am praising our Armed is the National Front that will.. - Forces and a certain Member is objecting to (Interruptions) my praising the Armed Forces. SHRI PARVATHANENI UPENDRA: He SOME HON. MEMBERS: Shame, shame, is twisting my question. I specifically asked; (.Interruptions). If a democratically elected Government is overthrown and if that overthrown leader SHRI V. GOPALSAMY; I stand by it makes a request what will be your response? (Interruptions) Your action in Sri Lanka. I stand by it. SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; It is a hypo- * SHRI RAJIIV GANDHI: I am not debating thetical question which did not arise in the the point. On the Armed Forces I have a very particular case. But I do wish the hon. Member strong view, and I do not like our Armed and his party will debate this issue and give us their ideas of what the guidelines should be. Forces being run down on any platform— least of SHRI PARVATHANENI UPENDRA; I can myself do it. We need not debate on that. 245 Constitution [ 4 NOV. 1988 J Amdt. Bill, 1988 246

SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; No. That would not ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING be a party view, and I do not know which party PARLIAMENTARY HOLIDAY ON you belong to. (Interruptions) I do not know 14TH NOVEMBER, 1988 whether you are from the National Front or Telugu Desam. (Interruptions). THE VICE-CHAIRMAN (SHRI B SATYANARAYAN REDDY). Hon SHRI PARVATHANENI UPENDRA: It is Members, as you are aware, 14th November, a part of the National Front. You must know 1988, is the birth centenary of Pandit that much. Jawaharlai Nehru. A suggestion was made ShRi SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY: Do you that we may declare it as a Parliamentary want guidelines on how to secure 95 per cent holiday on this occasion. I consulted lea ders of votes? of various groups in the matter. As agreed, there will be no. sitting of the House on that SHRI RAJIV GANDHI: I think that was; day. really all that was asked. This is the announcement by the SHRI M. S. GURUPADASWAMY: Whe Chairman. was at the back of the coup, if you know that? - 'SHRI RAJIV GANDHI; I answered that. I CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) said that there are some indications as to who it BILL, 1988 was, but as the earlier reports coming in were inaccurate in a number of areas I would not like [to amend the Tenth Scheduled] to rnake a statement on that in the House. We feel that this is not an issue for us to get SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL | involved in. It is for the Maldivians to sort out (Punjab): Sir, I beg to move for leave to who they were. If they request for our help in introduce a Bill further to-amend the anything, we will help. They have asked our . help to mop up those people on the islands and to stop the two boats which were there. "We The question was put and the motion was are trying to help them to do that. If they want adopted. - more help we will consider their request and if it is possible for us we will give them more help. SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL: Sir, I introduce the Bill. I think I have answered most of the questions. Thank you. CONSTITUTION MR. CHAIRMAN; The House stands (AMENDMENT adjourned for lunch and will meet at 2,30 p.m. ) BILL, 1987.—flContd. from 12t The House then adjourned August, 1988) for lunch at thirty minutes past one of the clock. [Insertion of new article 156A] THE VICE-CHAIRMAN (Shri B. The House reassembled after lunch at thirty- Satyanarayan Reddy); We will now take up two minutes past two of the clock. The Vice- Mr. Chitta Basu's Bill. Mr. Ram Awadhesh Chairman [Shri B. Satyanarayan Reddy] in the is not here. Shri Panwar is not here. Shri Bir Chair. Bhadra Pratap Singh. SHRiI BIR BHADRA PRATAP SINGH (): I enquired about the amendment to be inserted in' Article 1S<*