BJP slams 'Jaziya' imposed on Hindus, Sikhs in Pak

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani on Wednesday expressed concern over reported imposition of 'Jaziya' tax by the Taliban on Hindus and Sikhs living in Pakistan and demanded that the Indian government take all necessary steps to prevent "persecution" of the two communities living there.

"The BJP is greatly concerned at reports emanating from Pakistan that the Taliban has asked Hindus (earlier the Sikhs) to pay a Jaziya tax of Rs 60 lakh," Advani said in a statement in New Delhi.

He called upon the government of Pakistan to protect the lives and properties of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan and to ensure that they are safeguarded and not subjected to any further discrimination.

"This is a direct outcome of the highly pampered existence that the Taliban have enjoyed till very recently in Pakistan, in terms of which they have enjoyed the patronage of important organs of the state," Advani said.

The Leader of Opposition asked the Indian government to initiate necessary steps and take up the matter with the Pakistan government "to prevent any hardships and persecution of the Hindus and Sikhs there".