Togadia decries controversy over Lord Ram

Ayodhya, Nov 21 (UNI) Terming Lord Ram the 'soul of India', Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today observed that challenging his existence was a direct assault on the Hindu religion.

''Those hell bent on proving Lord Ram an imaginary character and challenging the existence of Ram Sethu should keep in mind that Hindus will not tolerate any 'ideological attack' on Him,'' VHP general secretary Praveen Bhai Togadia said talking to UNI here.

''Akin to the public movement over Ram Janmabhoomi, Hindus all over the world will take to the streets against any dishonour shown to Lord Ram,'' Mr Togadia underlined.

The VHP leader asserted that to protect the undersea bridge from being destroyed, almost a lakh 'Dharma Yodhas' would be selected in the same way as 'Karsewaks' were chosen for the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation.

He said Ram Sethu Raksha Manch of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu would take out Sriram Shila Yatra across four lakh villages to aware people in this regard.

For preparing future strategy on Ram Sethu, almost 15 lakh saints and sages across the country will participate in a conference in New Delhi, Mr Togadia informed.

UNI