NAWANSHEHAR: In order to protect Ram Setu from demolition, the Vishav Handu Parishad here Thursday launched its agitation from 11-Mukhi Hanuman Mandir on Garhshankar Road here in the presence of VHP International General Secretary  Parveen Togadia.

About 70-80 saints began 111 day-long Shri Ram Naam Jaap MahaYajna, the "bhogh" of which would be held on January 15. Ramayan Paths at as many as 108 places would be held in the district at different places during this period.

Speaking on the occasion, Togadia accused the UPA government of hatching conspiracy to demolish Ram Setu at the behest of America which did not want India to become self-reliant for its energy-related needs. Apart from the faith of Hindus, Ram Setu was a store-house of Thorium capable of meeting the country's energy needs for the next 100 years, claimed Togadia, adding that the scientists at Centres like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay were at an advanced stage of developing technology to produce energy from Thorium.

The VHP leader came down heavily on UPA government for its affidavit in the court on the issue. He also lambasted DMK supremo Karunanidhi for his anti-Hindu stance. He added that protecting Ram Setu and building Ram Mandir in Ayodhya comprised the main priorities of his organisation. As no questions could be asked about matters involving religious faiths, similarly no one had the right to contest the faith of millions of Hindus in Lord Ram, he said while urging the people to bring down the UPA government in the next poll. A number of prominent saints like Balvir Singh Seechawal, Swami Ram Parkash Dass Datarpur, Swami Ganga Dass, Jalandhar, Swami Atul Krishan from Ludhiana were also present.