Digvijay's remark on Laden presonal view, says Congress

Congress today 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.

Congress on Tueday 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.

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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'.

On Monday Singh had 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 on Monday 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.