AAP stages protest against centre's decision to impose GST on sarais in Golden Temple complex

Amritsar, August 3 , The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday carried out a state-level protest march from Bhandari Bridge to Hall Gate, against the Modi government's decision to levy 12% GST on sarais (inns) in  Sri Harmandar Sahib. 

A large number of AAP workers and Sikh Sangat participated in this protest march. During the protest, agitators raised slogans against 'Jizya tax' imposed on Sikhs and Punjabis by the central government. 

The protest was led by State Secretary Gurdev Singh Lakhana, Amritsar City president Prabhbir Singh Brar and other AAP workers. 
Speaking to reporters, State Secretary  Lakhana said that Modi government's anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab decision to levy 12% GST on sarais is a very unfortunate matter. 
He termed the GST on religious places as unfortunate, saying it was similar to Jizya tax. 

He said that these sarais are built only for the convenience of pilgrims coming from far distance to oay obeisance at Golden Temple. No one's personal interest or benefit is involved here and he condemned this decision of the Center in the strong terms.

Talking to reporters, District President Prabhabir Singh Brar said that BJP has always been doing politics of religion and even now the same is being done by imposing GST on taverns. He said that mixing religion and politics is wrong. Religious places should be kept out of the ambit of GST. He said that the central government has always taken anti-people decisions.

He said that by imposing GST on religious inns, the central government has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community and the Union government should withdraw its decision at once. 

On this occasion Jaspreet Singh Secretary Amritsar, District Event Incharge Jagdeep Singh, Anil Mahajan, District Media Incharge Vikramjit Vicky, SC Wing District President Dr. Inderpal among others AAP workers were present.