Dehradun, Jan. 29 -- The proposed ban on non-Hindu entry to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and other major Uttarakhand temples could threaten jobs held by state residents in Arab countries, Uttarkashi Congress district president Pradeep Rawat warned. "Several people from the state work in the hospitality industry in Arab countries. If people in those countries come to know about the ban, there is a strong possibility that they may start discriminating against our people," he said. "It is also possible that some may lose their jobs," Rawat added. Meanwhile, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has defended the proposal. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said, "The entry of non-Hindus has traditionally been restricted in these temples. There is now a need to give it a formal shape because instances of 'land jihad' and the construction of mazaars have emerged in the state. Strict measures are required to maintain the sanctity of Devbhoomi and its sacred shrines, so that the fundamental character of the state remains intact." Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal has also criticised the state government over the BKTC's proposal to ban non-Hindu entry to its shrines, including Kedarnath and Badrinath. Godiyal said, "It is merely a tactic by the Dhami government to divert attention from the fundamental issues faced by the state." He asked, "Why are villages being deserted? Why is there a massive migration? Why is unemployment at its peak? Why do women feel unsafe? Why is there a menace of wild animals? And why are recruitment scams rampant in the state?" He alleged that, as always, the Dhami government is resorting to appeasement politics to distract the public from these pressing issues. "This is Devbhoomi, and whatever is necessary to protect its sanctity must be done. Such steps are justified, and the Congress should refrain from indulging in politics over the issue," BJP leader Ajendra Ajay said....