VHP sees conspiracy behind land transfer row

Mumbai (PTI): The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday accused the Jammu and Kashmir and the Central governments of "conspiring" to stop Hindu pilgrimages and said the VHP will not allow that to happen in this country.

"The conspiracy is to stop the pilgrimage of Hindus in the name of preserving forest, mountain, sea shore and rivers", VHP leader Venkatesh Abdeo told reporters here today.

The Maharashtra unit of the VHP will join the nation-wide bandh on July 3 call given by its central leadership to protest against the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board land transfer issue in Jammu and Kashmir, Abedo said.

He said that if the Jammu and Kashimir government did not transfer the land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, then the government should take away the Haj houses from the Muslims.
He also demanded immediate halt of Haj subsidy and all other facilities given to the Muslims.

VHP in the state also urged people to support the shutdown by keeping their businesses and offices closed. They have also requested the schools and colleges in the state to remain closed.
"People should also boycott all goods made in Kashmir as a sign of protest," Abdeo added.

For security of the Amarnath devotees and to protect the state of Jammu and Kashmir from Jehadi terrorists the government should immediately quash the special status given to the state under Article 370 and should impose military rule in the state," Abdeo said.

Abdeo further said revocation of grant of land in Amarnath was `tip of the iceberg', as the real conspiracy was to stop all the Hindu pilgrimages.