Japan security debate marred by scuffles in upper house

Scuffles have broken out in Japan's upper house ahead of a vote on a controversial move by the government to expand the role of the armed forces.
The bills would amend Japan's pacifist constitution to allow it to defend its allies overseas even when it is not under attack.
They have already been approved by the government-dominated lower house.
Opposition lawmakers Thursday morning tried to physically prevent the debate from taking place.
In rare heated scenes, jostling members of the upper house surrounded the chairman of the security committee as he opened the debate, trying to snatch paperwork from him.
A session last night was abandoned in the early hours of the morning after opposition lawmakers blocked entry to a room where Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other ministers were waiting to discuss the bill.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters rallied outside the parliament in Tokyo  Wednesday against the largely unpopular bills, according to BBC.

--Samir--