Thackeray for ‘Amarnath House’ as ‘Haj House’

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has demanded building of a ‘Amarnath House’ or ‘Vaishnodevi House’ for Hindus on the lines of ‘Haj House’ in Mumbai for Muslims.

“We are reiterating this demand of all Hindus,” an editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana,’ edited by Thackeray, said.

“Several corporations have been set up for Muslims. Now, set up a corporation for welfare of Amarnath and Vaishnodevi pilgrims,” the editorial said.

Questioning whether the Vilasrao Deshmukh-led government in Maharashtra was really secular, Thackeray said Deshmukh’s secularism will be truly felt if even Hindus were benefitted as a result of concessions to Muslims.

The editorial also flayed the stance of social activist Teesta Setalvad. “If she is so secular, she should go to Kashmir and raise her voice against injustice on Hindu pandits there,” it said.

“She should at least issue a statement here in Mumbai, opposing cancellation of the decision on Amarnath shrine land,” the editorial said.

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