VHP hits out at BJP-PDP govt over 'rise' in terror attacks

Hitting out at the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir over "spurt in terror attacks", Vishwa Hindu Parishad today accused Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of "compromising" national interest.

"Masrat Alam (separatist leader) is released. Terror attacks are rising. The nation is watching... Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister with his actions has compromised the national interest," Praveen Togadia, VHP's International Working President, said.

He, however, declined to comment on the BJP's decision to tie-up with PDP but insisted that "national interest and national security should not be compromised".

The Hindutva firebrand leader also batted for abrogation of Article 370, a long-time demand of BJP, saying VHP remains committed to it and he in a recent rally in Jammu had sought to repeal it.

Togadia, whose ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reportedly been strained, told reporters that he has been "too busy" with his work to assess the performance of the BJP government at the Centre.

The VHP leader also announced nationwide programme to end "untouchability" in the society, saying the Hindutva body would work on several fronts to realise an "India without untouchability".

"There is no religious sanction for untouchability in Hinduism. Different things are written in different books but Vedas are the final authority on the religion and nowhere do they support untouchability.

"All Hindus are part of the same family. We will work to abolish this practice," he said.
He also took a swipe at those blaming Hindutva groups for attacks on churches. "Churches had been attacked in Pakistan and Syria as well but Hindus should not be blamed for everything," he said.