The dramatic proceedings on Friday began with the lawmakers occupying the Speaker’s chair for nearly an hour from 1.30 p.m., the time the session was scheduled to commence. The MPs ripped out the microphones and telephone chords at the Speaker’s desk, and continued chanting slogans until about 30 policemen, locking arms in a chain, unexpectedly entered the chamber through the side door.Behind them, Parliament staff moved cautiously ahead, escorting the sergeant-at-arms who was holding up the mace — the ceremonial staff required to hold proceedings — that shone brightly in the muted yellow lights above
