M Karunanidhi to launch state-wide stir against Shipping Canal project on July 8

CHENNAI: DMK president M Karunanidhi will launch the first of a series of state-wide protests demanding implementation of the multi-million rupee Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project, leading an agitation at Nagapattinam on July 8.

This was in line with a resolution adopted in the June 17 meeting of the party's Administrative Council here, a party statement said.

His son and DMK Treasurer M K Stalin will lead the protests at Tuticorin while MPs Kanimozhi, T R Baalu and A Raja will lead at Cuddalore, Kanyakumari and Puthukottai respectively.

The party had resolved to hold a series of protests against ruling AIADMK's demand to declare Ramasethu, which involves dredging as part of the project, as a national heritage, besides pressing for its immediate implementation.

Sethusamudram project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern tip by breaching the mythological Ram Sethu, built by Lord Rama's army of monkeys and bears to demon king Ravana's kingdom Lanka.

The project has been put on hold after petitions were filed in the Supreme Court opposing demolition of Ram Sethu.

Tamil Nadu Government has pleaded with the Supreme Court that the project be scrapped as it would adversely affect marine biodiversity and the Centre be directed to declare Ram Sethu as a national monument.