VHP appeals to Hindus to end untouchability

Erode, Tamil Nadu, Mar 20 (UNI) Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Ashok Singhal has called for the outright rejection of 'Varnashrama dharma' in the interest of Hindu unity to fight conversions and 'jehadi terrorism' and has appealed to Hindus to put an end to the practice of untouchability.

Addressing the 'Fifth State Hindu Resurgence Conference, jointly organised by the VHP and Village Temple Priests Forum here yesterday, he said alien invasions could have led to the practice in the country as untouchability had not been endorsed by Hindu dharma, sasthras and vedas. ''There is no mention about it in our ancient history or mythology,'' he said.

He urged the heads of mutts to give 'manthra deeksha' to all Hindus irrespective of their caste.

Regretting '' lack of unity in Hindu society which is weakened by caste barriers,'' VHP International General Secretary Praveen Togadia said the situation had led to political parties wooing the minorities for votes.

Stating that the United States and the European countries launched a war against ''jehadi terrorism'' only after becoming a victim of it, he called for united Hindu strength to counter 'jehad.' He said the conference was a wake-up call for the community lost in ''deep slumber''.

Expressing concern at the ''declining Hindu population, the conference adopted a resolution urging the Centre to bring in a uniform civil code by implementing the directive principle under Article 44.

Another resolution urged the Hindu vote bank to exercise their vote in favour of any party or alliance that pledged to protect their interests in the election manifesto.

The resolution also included a 'Hindu Agenda' in the form of an appeal to political parties, seeking exemption for temple land from all land reforms legislation, a statutory autonomous board and a state 'dharmic' council for better administration of temples.

The conference sought an end to discrimination on legal and constitutional lines in favour of minority institutions.

It urged the Centre to facilitate reconstruction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya and the State to withdraw all cases against Kanchi Sankaracharya.

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