Ray seeks Govt response on detention of TMC MPs in Assam

TMC members, led by senior leader Saugata Ray, protested the detention of four of his party MPs at the Silchar airport in Assam today and demanded a response from the government on it in the Lok Sabha.

Trinamool Congress members Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Arpita Ghosh, Mamata Thakur and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray were detained at the airport when they were visiting the state in the aftermath of the publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Ray said.

"Assam Police has detained them at Silchar Airport. They are interferring with the free movement of people. This is a breach of privilege," Ray said, adding "we want government response on this".

Ray raised the issue when the House was discussing the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill 2017 to provide for setting up of a National Commission for Backward Classes.

Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai said he would convey his demand to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Names of over 40 lakh people in Assam do not figure in the draft NRC, which is being prepared to identify illegal migrants in the state.

The second draft of the NRC published earlier this week has led to protests in the state and stalled Rajya Sabha proceedings for 3 days.