New Delhi: Congress on Tuesday appeared to be
distancing itself from senior party leader Digvijay Singh`s
remarks disapproving the sea burial given to al Qaeda chief
Osama bin Laden by the US.
Party spokesman Manish Tewari parried questions on
whether Singh`s remark on Laden`s burial is the official party
view.
"On the question of Laden and terror per say, we have
repeatedly cleared our position.
"The position of Congress has been very clearly
articulated and delineated. We have nothing further to say on
the articulation (of the party) on the neutralization of Laden
after what we said yesterday," he said.
Tewari said, "If you sow the wind, you reap the
whirlwind", adding that he was making this observation in
relation to all terrorists and terrorist organizations.
Party sources indicated Singh`s comments do not
reflect the party view.
A senior party leader speaking on condition of
anonymity said that the remarks by Singh are somewhat similar
to drawing an analogy that `if Afzal Guru is punished, it will
anger all Muslims in Kashmir`.
Singh had yesterday said, "However big a criminal one
might be, his religious traditions should be respected while
burying him", when asked about the burial given to Laden.
Singh also said it is "surprising" that Laden with his
family was staying near the military academy of Pakistan and
the government there had no idea about that.
"Only America and Pakistan can say what had happened,"
he said.
The US has maintained that the body was handled in
accordance with Islamic practice and tradition. The burial at
sea was apparently due to fears that his land burial may
become a site to attract his followers. However, some Islamic
organisations have said that it was not appropriate.
The Congress had yesterday said that the fight against
terrorism has to be globally coordinated and all resources
need to be directed towards ensuring that those perpetrating
these acts are brought to justice.
PTI
