Is J-K govt's tax on air trip to Vaishno Devi a version of Jizya tax: Cong

September 07, 2015 16:59

Flaying the decision of PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir to levy service tax on pilgrims availing of chopper service to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the Congress today questioned whether it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's version of 'Jizya tax'.

Jizya tax was imposed on Hindus during the reigns of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. "Is this Mr Modi's definition of Jizya tax on pilgrims to Vaishno Devi? Is it BJP-PDP's version of Jizya tax to pilgrims of Vaishno Devi?" party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here while slamming the state government's decision.

The PDP-BJP government has levied 12.5 per cent service tax on Vaishno Devi pilgrims traveling from Katra to the revered cave shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills by chopper.

Due to this, pilgrims will have to shell out Rs 2,340 in place of Rs 2,078 for the two-way journey, according reports. Singhvi accused the government of "trying to control" the pilgrimage and said,"you have hurt the faith of people."

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