New Delhi - The Indian parliament was thrown into turmoil yesterday after the opposition accused the government of trying to make money over coffins ordered for soldiers killed in fighting in disputed Kashmir in 1999.
"Coffin thieves! coffin thieves!" opposition MPs shouted in both houses, forcing business to be suspended.
The uproar followed an official report on the Defence Ministry's purchase of 500 coffins and 3,000 body bags in a deal worth $1.5 million. "Soldiers shed blood, government takes commission," some opposition lawmakers yelled.