DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, JUNE 8
Shiv Sena Hindustan, led by Jammu and Kashmir President Pt Rajesh Kasri, held a meeting to discuss the imposition of taxes on langar items for the Baba Amarnath Yatra. The organization has demanded that the government exempt langar items from taxes, citing the precedent set for Sikh Gurudwaras. The meeting was attended by prominent members, including Sanjeev Sharma, Balwant Fouji, Suresh Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Bhushan Kumar, Dheeraj Kumar, Satpal Fouji, Captain Om Prakash, Captain Ghara Ram, Brahm Singh, Darshana Devi, Vijay Devi, Rajni Devi, Neeru Devi and Geeta Devi, among others.
Kesri demanded that the government waive taxes on langar items, especially for the Baba Amarnath Yatra, as these items are donated by devotees from various states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.He also emphasized the need for the government to ensure the security of pilgrims undertaking the yatra, given the threat of terrorism and narco-terrorism in the region.The Baba Amarnath Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, and the langar (community kitchen) plays a vital role in serving the pilgrims. However, the imposition of taxes on langar items has been a longstanding issue, with Shiv Sena Hindustan demanding exemption from taxes for the past 11 years, added Kesri.
Kesri claimed that tax on langars, or community kitchens, has hurt religious sentiments particularly Hindus. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been imposed on raw materials used for langar, such as ghee, sugar, and pulses, which are essential for preparing meals for thousands of devotees. However, the food served in langars itself is not subject to GST. The tax is levied on the purchase of ingredients, which can be a significant burden for religious institutions, said Kesri. Kesri maintained that Langar serves meals to all, regardless of caste, creed, or social status, fostering a sense of unity and equality.By sitting together on the floor and sharing a meal, people from different backgrounds break down social and cultural barriers. Langar creates a sense of community, encouraging people to come together, share a meal, and engage in conversation. Langar represents religious values of selfless service, humility and compassion, inspiring others to adopt similar practices. Langars welcome people from all faiths and backgrounds, promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange. The seva, or selfless service, inherent in langar inspires volunteers to work together, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility, added Kesri.
