History repeats itself

Hindus in Pakistan agree to pay jazia to Taliban

Islamabad: In May, dozens of Sikhs living in the Orakzai agency were forced to move out after the Taliban demanded Rs50 million as jazia, or security tax, from them. Locals said the families were impoverished and left the area to avoid any Taliban action.

Less than a month later, the tax net has spread wider, to the Khyber agency tribal area. The Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians there have been told by the Taliban-backed Lashkar-e-Islam (LeI) to pay jazia in exchange for ensuring their security in the area.

Sources said several jirgas (meetings of elders) were held to settle the issue. One such meeting held last week, attended by the leaders and elders of the Sikh, Hindu, and Christian communities at Tirah Valley, resulted in the decision to pay up rather than move out. [link]

Obviously this issue did not get the attention it deserves, The Times of India seems to have given the item a miss. The intellectuals, who never seem to miss a literary or historical parallel or pun for "Hindu fascist" related news have not commented on it either. 

Meanwhile, closer to home:

Haj gets dearer

HYDERABAD: Pilgrims availing government subsidy for Haj-2009 will have to cough up at least Rs 25,000 more. Reason: Steep rise in rent and foreign exchange.

Till last year, pilgrims who opted for 'Green' category (accommodation less than one km from Haram Shareef) had to pay Rs 73,592, 'White' (within 1.5 km) Rs 64,276 and 'Azizia' (3-5 km) Rs 63,112. However, from now onwards, the revised fee for `Green' category is Rs 1.25 lakh, `White' Rs 1.18 lakh and 'Azizia,' Rs 1.08 lakh.

Barring these three categories, a special category 'Green Deluxe' has been added from this year onwards. As per a letter received by the State Haj Committee office from Central Haj Committee (CHC), each pilgrim preferring the Green Deluxe category would have to pay Rs 1.40 lakh towards foreign exchange and airfare. [link]

This is of course an indirect Jaziya tax. The interesting part is the addition of the new category "Green Deluxe". It only costs 15K more than the next lower category - maybe this one has a greater net subsidy built into it, who knows? 

They are not the only ones, Chindu reports that soon after the election result annoucement, AP Chief Minister YSR left on a pilgrimage to Israel. It is not clear whether the expenses will be borne by the state, i.e. you. As we understand, there is a Haj like subsidy available for the other minorities for pilgrimage to Bethlehem. We urge them to make use of it ASAP, before The One gifts Jerusalem to the Arabs. Then any pilgrimage to the area might get a wee bit difficult.