Monday, June 27 2005 18:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ayodhya: Several Hindu saints have reacted sharply to a reported statement by Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband that certain lines in the national song 'Vande Mataram' were contradictory to the tenets of Islam and their recital by Muslims was against Shariat, and demanded arrest of the Ulemas.

Terming recital of national song as against the Shariat amounted to treason and those indulging in such an act must be arrested immediately, senior member of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas Mahant Ram Vilas Vedanti and Jagat Guru Ramanujacharya Dwami Madhavacharya said in Ayodhya.

"Vande Mataram has been an integral part of the freedom struggle," they said.

The Hindu leaders also charged various political parties with maintaining silence over the issue and said the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government should resign for "failing to put a check on those showing utter disrespect to the national song".

VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) leaders Ambrish Singh and B N Shukla, in a joint statement, also condemned the Darul Uloom for criticising the Madhya Pradesh Government for making recital of 'Vande Mataram' in Government officials mandatory.

The statement was reportedly issued by one Maulana Iyasat Ali Kasmi of Deoband to a section of media a few days ago.