VHP calls Bharat bandh, target Haj pilgrimage

New Delhi, July 1: With the Jammu and Kashmir government revoking its order on transfer of land for the Amarnath shrine, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called an all-India shutdown on July 3 on Tuesday to protest against it. The VHP also demanded scrapping of subsidy on Haj pilgrimage.

"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 from the taxpayers," VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia told reporters.

Along with the demand for scrapping Haj subsidy, the VHP demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir government revoke its order cancelling the allotment of 40 hectares of land allotted to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).

It has given a call for a peaceful all-India bandh on July 3 to press for its demand. VHP will also take out vehicle rallies all across the country on July 2.

Togadia also demanded that all Haj houses in the country be taken back by the government and converted into charity hospitals for the poor.