Nationwide ‘chakka jaam’ on Sept 12 to save Ram Setu in TN: VHP

New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad today announced that a nationwide ‘chakka jaam’ would be organised on September 12 to impress upon the government to spare the ‘Ram Setu’ in Tamil Nadu.

The road blockade across all bridges, flyovers and highways, planned under the aegis of the ‘Rameshwaram Ram Setu Manch’, was being done after all means to persuade the government to not blast the proposed ‘Ram Setu’ has failed, VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia told mediapersons here.

”However, all emergency services, the fire brigade and ambulance would be exempted from the three-hour ‘road blockade’ which would begin at 0800 hrs. Also, no government property would be touched.” Over 5,000 religious and social organisations have been channelised to make the event a success across villages and towns all over the country, he said.

”If the ‘friendship bridge’ between Sri Lanka and India is broken, no traffic would be allowed on any bridge, highway or flyover across the country.” And if this move also fails to make the government change its decision, more drastic steps would be taken to compel the government to take into account their concerns and sentiments, he added.

Informing that the Supreme Court today ordered the government to ”not touch” or damage the ‘Ram Setu’ at its hearing today, Mr Togadia said it also asked it to reply by September 14 whether the ‘Ram Setu’ or Adam’s Bridge could be considered as a national monument or not and whether the government had explored the option of an alternate route to save the 35km X 3km heritage ‘bridge’.

”It specifically said that the ‘bridge’ should not be touched.” Accusing the government of trampling on the sentiments of the country’s majority, despite scientists advising against the move which would have disastrous consequences on marine ecology and thorium reserves which were crucial for energy self dependence, the VHP leader said even lakhs of fishermen and sea product exporters were opposing the move as it would affect them adversely.

”Not just several seawater species and herbs would go extinct but the world’s largest thorium reserves would be washed away if the ‘Ram Setu’ was broken.” We demand that the government respect Hindu sentiments and make a canal on the land for ships to pass, which would not just be economical but ecolgically helpful, Mr Togadia added. ”Our faith and belief needs to be respected at all costs.”

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