Tax on labours at Mata Vaishno Devi unjustified: MP

Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 28: Member Parliament from Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha Constituency and senior Congress leader Ch Lal Singh today said that enhancement in the rates of the fare of Pony-wallas, Palki-wallas, `Pithus’ and other labourers working at Katra Mata Vaishno Devi was justified but imposing tax on the people serving the pilgrims will not be acceptable at all.
Addressing a large gathering of `Pithus’ Pony-wallas and Palki-wallas at the base camp here today, the Congress MP said giving hike to the rates of Pony-wallas, `Pithus’ and Palki-wallas was justified in view of rising prices, but imposing tax on them was a curse and it will not be tolerated. He assured the workers to fight against the imposition of tax on them by the Shrine Board authorities. He said imposing tax on labourers is a big crime and he will not allow it to happen.
The MP asked the DC Reasi, Nirmal Sharma, for releasing welfare fund for the labourers who are in need of it. He assured the labourers and farmers his full support and said that he will take care of their welfare.