RRSPM calls Chalka Jam on Sept 12

Bhubaneswar (VISAKEO - 31/8): State chapter of the Rameswaram Ram Sethu Protection Movement on Friday warned of a series of agitations if the Centre did not go in for an alternative alignment in Palk Straits. RRSPM has called a three-hour long chalka jam through out the State as part of its nation wide campaign to save the mythological Rama Sethu. "Some people may be atheists. But there are crores of people who believe in God. A democratic Government should respect the sentiments of majority people," RRSPM State coordinator Gouri Prasad Rath said on Friday. Stressing that the existence of Ram Sethu was not a figment of imagination and there were references about it in ancient literature and epics, he said the bridge also stood as a symbol of unity and integrity of the country. Members of RSS, VHP, BJP, Bajrang Dal and ABVP will join the chalka jam, Rath said. Pointing out that all Hindu religious leaders, including the Shankaracharyas, had unsuccessfully appealed to the Centre to stop the destruction of Ram Sethu, Rath said, "the voice of religious minorities is respected in the country. But, the voice of majority Hindus goes unheeded." He said the Movement would strive to create social awareness on the issue, besides waging a legal battle to protect the Ram Sethu. "If the Centre does not accede to our request, the struggle will be intensified to an unprecedented scale," he warned.