Contrasting voices in UPA on Geelani's Srinagar rally

Varanasi, Apr 25 (UNI) Differences today surfaced within the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) over the rally of separatist Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Srinagar on Saturday, with two important ministers --- Lalu Prasad and Saifuddin Soz --- speaking in two voices on the issue.

While Railways Minister Lalu Prasad advocated stringent action against those responsible for ''anti-national'' acts at the rally, Union Water Resources minister Saifuddin Soz tried to downplay the episode by terming it ''not so serious.'' ''Incidents at Srinagar rally amounted to utter insult to the nation and must be taken seriously. Whoever, individual or any organisation that committs such acts is part and parcel of the country and must be condemned by the entire nation vehemently,'' Mr Prasad said while addressing a press conference here.

''Stringent action must be taken promptly against the perpetrators of such incidents within the legal framework of the country,'' he suggested.

On the other hand, Mr Soz, Congress leader from Jammu and Kashmir, described the entire matter as ''not so serious.'' ''It is not such a serious matter...only a miniscule part of the population in the valley attends and supports such rallies or leaders organising these meetings. Terrorism is breathing its last in the valley and Pakistan's intervention in the valley is fast ending. The rule of bullet no longer prevails in the valley, but a democratic spirit has taken its place'' The former National Conference leader in the holy city to campaign for Congress candidates in assembly poll further said ''law will take its own course in the matter.'' Yesterday, addressing a press conference here only, Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal had stated ''whatever took place at the rally has occured in past also.'' On Saturday, anti-India slogans were raised and flags of banned terror outfits fluttered openly at the rally of Tehrik-e-Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Jeelani, raising widespread condemnation and protests by various quarters, especially the BJP, Shiv Sena and other saffron outfits.

UNI