Source

NEW DELHI, INDIA, May 30, 2005: Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists today took to streets here against the Jammu and Kashmir state government’s decision to impose registration tax on the Amarnath pilgrims. The annual pilgrimage is due to begin in three weeks. Jammu and Kashmir government has recently decided to impose registration tax on the pilgrims. Last year, around 300,000 devotees went on the pilgrimage. Activists, also joined by Bajrang Dal members, shouting slogans against the state Chief Minister, condemned him for slapping the tax, which they say was in stark contrast to the kind of subsidies being granted to Muslims during their annual Haj pilgrimage. (HPI adds: The Indian government subsidizes the airfare of Muslims traveling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Haj.)



“On one side the Centre and state governments are providing subsidy to the Haj pilgrims and for other minorities. If this tax of 10 rupees (US$0.23) is being imposed on the Hindus, it is an insult which we will not tolerate,” said Ashok Kapoor, a VHP activist. For long activists have also been campaigning for the extension of the month-long pilgrimage by another 30 days, a proposal the state government has rejected citing security problems. The Chief Minister says the forces deployed across the restive region have to be pulled out to provide security to pilgrims and that causes problems. Several times militants have attacked the annual pilgrimage since the violence began in the region in 1989. In 2002 eight pilgrims were killed in the attack on Nunwan camp in Pahalgam. Amarnath stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet (3,888 metres) above sea level. (ANI)

Post Views: 595