Ram Sethu issue: 'Road roko' on Sep 12

Chennai, Sep 5: The Rameswaram Ramsetu Protection Movement (RRPM) will organise a road roko programme on September 12 from 0800 hrs to 1100 hrs in Tamil Nadu, demanding the Centre not destroy 'Ramar Sethu' and declare it an ancient national monument.

Addressing a press conference here, Hindu Munnani Founder- President Rama Gopalan said the agitation was planned not to show our strength but our devotion towards the 'Ramar Sethu'.

''Why can't the government opt for an alternative alignment for the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP),'' he said.

Mr Gopalan alleged that Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu had been ignoring the public resentment with the SSCP.

''He is in a hurry to complete the project before 2008, disregarding larger public opinion against the project,'' he added.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit President L Ganesan said the BJP was the only party which raised the issue nationally.

The party would support the agitation to protect the ancient monument, he added.

UNI