Pakistan146;s N-capabilities questioned; RS adjourned as Pranab walks out

In the zero hour, the Opposition had demanded for a categorical response on reports that Pakistan planned to have a nuclear reactor that could generate plutonium for up to 50 atomic bombs a year. They wanted to know India8217;s response to the development which threatened to disturb peace in the region. Mukherjee left the House saying there could not be an instant reply for everything raised in Parliament. 8216;8216;It cannot be like instant coffee,8217;8217; he said, which prompted NDA and Samajwadi Party members to demand that government address their concerns.

During the post-lunch session, leader of Opposition Jaswant Singh appealed to the defence minister that since Mukherjee has the longest innings in the House and had even been its leader, it would be in the fitness of things if he gave a categorical response. Singh said no one wanted to hurt anyone but the government8217;s response was 8216;8216;disappointing8217;8217;.