New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) The Lok Sabha began its proceedings on Friday by paying homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war and remembering their supreme sacrifice for the nation. Parliamentarians paid tributes to the Kargil war heroes by observing a one-minute silence.As the normal proceedings began, the Opposition members broke into a din -- for the fifth consecutive day. Speaker Om Birla urged the members to maintain the decorum of the House and let the House proceedings run smoothly, but the ruckus persisted.Exhorting the members to co-operate, the Speaker said that the Question Hour remains the most critical period of the House, when the public representatives hold the government accountable on issues pertaining to their constituencies, and this must not be disrupted.“I plead to all of you to help and contribute to the smooth functioning of the House,” he said.

Further advising the Opposition benches to abide by rules, he said that the House is ready for structured discussion on all issues, but they must come with due proposals.Speaker’s repeated requests for maintaining order in the House failed; chaos and sloganeering continued, following which the House was adjourned till noon.Earlier, as the Lower House convened for the day, Speaker Om Birla informed the House that the Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated on July 26 every year, was falling on Sunday this year -- a holiday and hence the House was paying tribute to the fallen soldiers on this day.“On July 26, 2026, the nation will celebrate the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The day represents the indomitable courage, unflinching devotion and selfless sacrifice for the nation,” he said.

He said the House remembers the unwavering courage and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers and pays tribute to their martyrdom.“They safeguarded the integrity and sovereignty of the nation by sacrificing their own lives. The nation and its countrymen will always remain indebted to their sacrifice,” Birla said.“This House pays tribute, respect and remains grateful to their sacrifice,” he remarked.The Lok Sabha also observed one minute of silence to remember the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

/IANS