07-02-2008, 12:48 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>BJP calls for nationwide shutdown on July 3 </b>
Pioneer News Service | New DelhiÂ
Main opposition BJP has given a call for a nationwide shutdown on July 3 in protest against the Jammu and Kashmir Government's decision to revoke the allotment of land to the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). The Vishwa Hindu Parishad would also observe a Bharat Bandh the same day.
After a meeting of senior party leaders, BJP president Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday, "We want that land to be returned to the shrine board. Centre's role in this episode has been dubious and it can not shy away from its responsibility." The BJP would also organise protest rallies at major centres of the country between July 4 and 11.
He said it was, unfortunately, for the first time that some groups and individuals were protesting a decision to provide facilities to the pilgrims. "Such facilities have been extended to Haj Yatris and during Urs, but nobody objected to it. Then why was there a protest in Amarnath yatra's case?" he asked.
The BJP leaders, who passed a resolution criticising the role of the State and Central Governments, also pointed out that the SASB had made a payment of Rs two and a half crore for the 40-hectare land.
On whether the BJP's stand would not disturb communal harmony in the Valley, Rajnath shot back saying it was "a matter of faith for Indians and those who politicised the issue actually attempted to create a divide between the two communities". The BJP president reiterated that his party was in favour of scrapping Article 370.
<b>Meanwhile, the VHP targeted Haj Yatra demanding that subsidy on Haj pilgrimage should be stopped. "Haj subsidy must be cancelled. No flights for Haj should be sent, as it is wastage of precious fuel the cost of which has to be borne by the taxpayers," </b>VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia told reporters.
<b>Togadia demanded that all Haj houses in the country be taken back by the Government and converted into charity hospitals for the poor</b>. Demanding that the Jammu and Kashmir Government revoke its order cancelling the allotment of 40 hectares of land allotted to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), the VHP also threatened that articles prepared in Jammu and Kashmir would be boycotted throughout the country if their demand was not met. VHP will also take out vehicle rallies all across the country on July 2.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Pioneer News Service | New DelhiÂ
Main opposition BJP has given a call for a nationwide shutdown on July 3 in protest against the Jammu and Kashmir Government's decision to revoke the allotment of land to the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). The Vishwa Hindu Parishad would also observe a Bharat Bandh the same day.
After a meeting of senior party leaders, BJP president Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday, "We want that land to be returned to the shrine board. Centre's role in this episode has been dubious and it can not shy away from its responsibility." The BJP would also organise protest rallies at major centres of the country between July 4 and 11.
He said it was, unfortunately, for the first time that some groups and individuals were protesting a decision to provide facilities to the pilgrims. "Such facilities have been extended to Haj Yatris and during Urs, but nobody objected to it. Then why was there a protest in Amarnath yatra's case?" he asked.
The BJP leaders, who passed a resolution criticising the role of the State and Central Governments, also pointed out that the SASB had made a payment of Rs two and a half crore for the 40-hectare land.
On whether the BJP's stand would not disturb communal harmony in the Valley, Rajnath shot back saying it was "a matter of faith for Indians and those who politicised the issue actually attempted to create a divide between the two communities". The BJP president reiterated that his party was in favour of scrapping Article 370.
<b>Meanwhile, the VHP targeted Haj Yatra demanding that subsidy on Haj pilgrimage should be stopped. "Haj subsidy must be cancelled. No flights for Haj should be sent, as it is wastage of precious fuel the cost of which has to be borne by the taxpayers," </b>VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia told reporters.
<b>Togadia demanded that all Haj houses in the country be taken back by the Government and converted into charity hospitals for the poor</b>. Demanding that the Jammu and Kashmir Government revoke its order cancelling the allotment of 40 hectares of land allotted to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), the VHP also threatened that articles prepared in Jammu and Kashmir would be boycotted throughout the country if their demand was not met. VHP will also take out vehicle rallies all across the country on July 2.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->