The Hindu : National : RSS, VHP vow to protect Ramar Sethu

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RSS, VHP vow to protect Ramar Sethu

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Vowing to protect ‘Ramar Sethu’ at all costs, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders on Sunday warned the United Progressive Alliance government of nation-wide protests against the Sethusamudram project.

They were speaking after Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha convener Swami Dayanand Saraswati released Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy’s book “Ram Sethu: Symbol of National Unity” here.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati quoted from the Skanda Purana to claim that ‘Ramar Sethu’ was an essential part of Hindu worship. He urged the people to back Dr. Swamy in his efforts to ‘defend Hindu culture and religion.’

Criticising the Congress, VHP president Ashok Singhal alleged that there appeared to be a ‘conspiracy’ behind the move to go ahead with the project. There were five alternative plans for the project which did not require damaging the ‘Ramar Sethu.’ RSS general secretary Mohan Bhagwat said Dr. Swamy’s book should be translated into every Indian language. Dr. Swamy said that till 15th century people walked across the bridge before the sea level rose. A verification with the Earth Sciences Ministry suggested that ‘Ramar Sethu’ was man-made.

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