RSS warns Centre against Sethusamudram project

Lucknow, Mar 10 (UNI) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today threatened a nationwide agitation through all the Hindu outfits, if the work on the ambitious Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project in Tamil Nadu, which it said ''hurt Hindu sentiments,'' was stopped immediately.

The project proposed to link the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka by creating a shipping canal through the shallow sea, sometimes called Setu Samudram, and through the island chain of Lord Ram's Bridge, had found a strong resistaance from the Hindu organisation.

All India Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest policy making body of the RSS, which began its sitting here yesterday, today deliberated on the issue coming out with a resolution condemning the UPA government move to proceed with the project.

RSS media convenor Adheesh Kumar, briefing newsmen here this evening, said the project could not be completed without tampering with Lord Ram's mythical bridge and this would be unacceptable to the Hindu community the world over.

The project had met with opposition ever since a committee was formed in 1955 for the purpose. Finally, the UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced the inauguration of the project on June 2, 2005.

RSS claims the natural Lord Ram's bridge, besides Hindu sentiments, protected the Kerala coast.

Mr Kumar said various environmental organisations and even NASA had photographs regarding presence of some construction beneath sea bed, thereby confirming the belief and faith of crores of Hindus.

''We warn the government to suspend the work on Sethusamundaram project, else a nation-wide stir would follow to oppose the move,'' he warned.

The RSS meet being attended by over 1,400 delegates including senior functionaries of the Sangh and its sister organisations like BJP, VHP and ABVP, assumes significance as its comes barely a month before Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

Various economic and political issues would be discussed during the meet.

UNI