VHP, Bajrang Dal call for shutdown in Jammu

Jammu, May 8 (ANI): The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal on Friday called for a shutdown in protest against atrocities being committed on Hindus and Sikhs by the Taliban in Pakistan.

Appealing to the Indian Government to exert pressure on Pakistan against the Taliban, the activists blocked the Jammu-Pathankot Highway.

They also damaged vehicles and forced shopkeepers to down the shutters of their shops.

Incidents of violence were reported from some places. The police also beat up some protestors in Satwari.

The shutdown was announced after a meeting of representatives of about twenty social, political, trade and other organisations held here last evening.

The state unit of the BJP is also supporting the shutdown.

The Taliban demolished at least 11 houses belonging to the Sikh community on Thursday in the Orakzai Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan after they refused to pay ''Jazia''.

Jazia was a tax imposed on non- Muslims for their protection during theughal period but continues even today in some parts. (ANI)