The Opposition asked the Government today to make a statement in Lok Sabha over the situation arising out of the capture of former Iraq president Saddam Hussein. Opposition members, speaking during Zero Hour, pointed out that Hussein was a former head of state and he must be treated in a humane manner. Senior Congress member S. Jaipal Reddy said his party did not wish to make it a political issue but wanted a statement from the Government on the matter. He said: ‘‘We must do our best to see Hussein is treated in a proper way.’’The issue was also raised by Dharamraj Singh Patel (Phulpur) of the Samajwadi Party. He said Hussein should be treated in accordance with the international law. It must be ensured that he was not killed by Americans as was apprehended by the world community.Associating himself with Patel, Ram Vilas Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party said while reactions were pouring in from various governments, there had been none from the Indian Government. Basudeb Acharya (CPI-M), Devendra Prasad Yadav (Janata Dal-U), Kanti singh (RJD) and members of all the Left parties requested the Chair to ask the Government to make a statement on this subject.Speaker Manohar Joshi said Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee should be apprised of the sentiments of the members. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Bhavna Chikhalia assured the House that she would do the same.
