New Delhi: Strongly opposing any move to set up a branch of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Bank in the country, VHP today warned the government against it saying such banking is against the Indian Constitution and banking norms.
VHP’s joint general secretary Surendra Jain said this is not the first time an attempt has been made to open a branch of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Development Bank in the country as they were made during UPA. He claimed the bank has proposed to open a branch in Gujarat.
“This is not the first time an attempt was made to bring it in India and earlier too attempts were made and the Kerala High Court had given an order that it is not as per India’s Constitution and is against banking regulations and should not be allowed to be permitted.
“Where ever Islamic banks are functioning the world over, they directly or indirectly support and fund terror activities. Bringing such banks in the country means promoting Islamic fundamentalism and terror activities. We strongly oppose it and we will not allow its opening here,” he said.
Jain said there is no change in the situation as Banking Regulations Act and the RBI Act have to be changed before bringing such banks into the country.
He also said that even in Islam, lending and speculation is considered “anti-Islam” as the bank will make its income from buying of properties, which amounts to speculation.
The VHP leader also said they have launched a campaign of “parakram” (aggression) in place of “palayan” (migration) by combating forces ‘intimidating’ the Hindu community across the country, especially in Kairana in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh which has seen migration of Hindus as well as in West Bengal.
He said VHP will also carry out a country-wide survey on migration of Hindus.
The VHP leader also condemned the killing of a Hindu priest in Bangladesh and appealed to the Modi government to intervene and ensure the safety of Hindus living there.
“The killing of Hindu priest in Bangladesh is unfortunate. Hindus are being killed and this has seen a decline in the Hindu population from 33 per cent to only 10 per cent now which is a matter of deep concern.
“We appeal to the Central government to take up the issue with Bangladesh government and ensure safety and migration of Hindus from there. Atleast Bangladesh should be grateful to India and ensure safety of Hindus as it was due to our efforts that the nation came into being,” he said.
Jain also asked the Centre to bring a law in Parliament allowing the construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya as it cannot come up through either talks or court verdict.