New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS): There was a major uproar in the Rajya Sabha Thursday when AIADMK member V. Maitreyan tried to approach the chairman of the house but was forcibly stopped by the staff.

The AIADMK and DMK have been demanding a discussion on the issue of Tamil fishermen being attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy and Maitreyan demanded a calling-attention motion on the issue in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said he could take up the motion, but regarding the demand for the presence of the prime minister during the discussion, it was for the government to decide.

Kurien, meanwhile, proposed to take up the Whistleblowers Protection Bill. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Left parties were willing, other members objected to it.

As the ruckus continued in the house with members protesting over several issues, Maitreyan tried to climb the Deputy Chairman's podium but was stopped on the steps by the watch and ward staff as well as the marshals.

Consequently, the chairman said the bill couldn't be tabled and adjourned the house for 30 minutes.