rameshwaram – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:13:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg rameshwaram – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 Rameswaram Fishermen’s Strike Against Sri Lankan Navy Arrests Enters 8th Day https://thecommunemag.com/rameswaram-fishermens-strike-against-sri-lankan-navy-arrests-enters-8th-day/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:13:30 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=125326 The strike by fishermen in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram against the frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy entered its eighth day on Monday. The strike has caused a loss of over Rs 7 crore so far. The continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the maritime boundary […]

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The strike by fishermen in Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram against the frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy entered its eighth day on Monday. The strike has caused a loss of over Rs 7 crore so far.

The continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the maritime boundary have triggered an indefinite strike by the fishing community in Rameswaram.

The Sri Lankan Navy has been detaining fishermen from Tamil Nadu who, according to Colombo, intrude into its territorial waters. The latest incidents have intensified anger among the fishing community of Rameswaram, who argue that they have traditionally depended on these waters for generations and are being unfairly targeted.

In protest, fishermen in Rameswaram launched a strike on August 11, suspending all fishing operations. For over a week, hundreds of mechanised boats have remained anchored at the shores, with owners and crews determined not to resume work until their safety is assured.

Fishermen’s representatives have reiterated that unless the Centre intervenes diplomatically with Sri Lanka and secures a permanent solution, they will continue their agitation. The strike has caused a severe financial setback, with the local economy already reporting losses exceeding Rs 7 crore.

The usually busy fishing harbour, known for its trade in prawns, crabs, and other seafood, has fallen silent. Auction houses, ice factories, and seafood exporters have all been paralysed, leaving thousands of workers who depend on the fishing sector without income.

Local leaders of fishermen’s unions said their demand is straightforward: an end to recurring arrests. “We cannot risk our lives every time we go to sea. The government must act swiftly and bring back our brothers languishing in Sri Lankan prisons,” a union leader said.

The crisis has also impacted daily-wage workers and ancillary industries such as boat repair workshops, net suppliers, and transporters. With no fresh catch available, local shops and seafood markets are reporting shortages, hitting consumers as well.

The fishermen have warned that if the Centre and state do not take immediate steps, they will be forced to intensify their agitation. They are pressing for compensation from the Tamil Nadu government and a permanent diplomatic mechanism with Sri Lanka to prevent such arrests in the future.

-IANS

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Tourist Family In Real? Sri Lankan Tamil Family Detained After Illegally Entering India Via Rameshwaram https://thecommunemag.com/sri-lankan-tamil-family-detained-after-illegally-entering-india-via-rameshwaram/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:41:06 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=117289 On 9 June 2025, five members of a Sri Lankan Tamil family were detained by the Rameshwaram beach police after they arrived illegally by boat near Rameshwaram. According to police reports, the group included 43-year-old M. Mohammed Kiyas from Kandy, his wife M. Fathima Farhana (34), and their three children—M. Mohammed Yahya (12), and twin […]

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On 9 June 2025, five members of a Sri Lankan Tamil family were detained by the Rameshwaram beach police after they arrived illegally by boat near Rameshwaram.

According to police reports, the group included 43-year-old M. Mohammed Kiyas from Kandy, his wife M. Fathima Farhana (34), and their three children—M. Mohammed Yahya (12), and twin daughters M. Alisha and M. Amira, both aged 4. The family is believed to have been dropped off along the coastline between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.

Local authorities were alerted to the landing and subsequently informed the marine police, who took the family into custody for further questioning.

According to the reports during the inquiry, the family claimed they had fled Sri Lanka due to worsening economic conditions. Officials said they are likely to be accommodated at the Mandapam Rehabilitation Centre, which houses Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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“Infringement Of Religious Rights”: TTV Dhinakaran Slams HR&CE’s ₹200 Fee For Local Devotees At Ramanathaswamy Temple In Rameswaram https://thecommunemag.com/infringement-of-religious-rights-ttv-dhinakaran-slams-hrces-%e2%82%b9200-fee-for-local-devotees-at-ramanathaswamy-temple-in-rameswaram/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:12:45 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=117099 TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has strongly criticized the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government for enforcing a ₹200 fee on local devotees visiting the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. Traditionally, local residents have accessed the temple through a designated special darshan route without charge. However, under the instructions of the […]

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TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has strongly criticized the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government for enforcing a ₹200 fee on local devotees visiting the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.

Traditionally, local residents have accessed the temple through a designated special darshan route without charge. However, under the instructions of the newly appointed Joint Commissioner, locals are now being directed to use only the ₹200 paid darshan path, sparking confrontations between worshippers and temple officials.

Amid growing discontent, the People’s Welfare Association has announced plans for a protest on the 17 June 2025, condemning the temple administration’s actions, which they argue infringe on the fundamental right to worship. The protest seeks to restore access for local devotees via the previously used special darshan route without imposing fees.

In response to the protest call, a peace meeting was convened at the Rameswaram Taluk Office. However, the discussions ended in deadlock, as the Joint Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department remained unwavering in the decision to enforce the paid entry.

Reacting to the controversy, TTV Dhinakaran took to his official X account, issuing a strong warning to the HR&CE Department. He demanded that the mandatory ₹200 fee for local devotees be immediately revoked, stating, “Is it justifiable to impose a fee on local residents to have darshan of Lord Ramanathaswamy in Rameswaram? The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department must immediately withdraw this action, which infringes upon the religious rights of local devotees. Recent reports in newspapers have highlighted that the administration of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, located in Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram district, has shut down the traditional darshan route and locals are now being forced to take a paid route requiring a fee for darshan. Closing off a historically used path without any prior notice and restricting darshan only to those who pay the ₹200 fee is a direct violation of the religious rights of local worshippers. Additionally, devotees have complained that metal barricades have been erected in front of the Kasi Viswanathar and Dakshinamurthy shrines inside the temple, to ensure that everyone passes only through the fee-based route. A peace meeting held at the Rameswaram Taluk Office, under the leadership of the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), failed to reach a resolution. As a result, local devotees have been left with no choice but to organize a temple entry protest on the 17th, demanding their right to worship be restored. Therefore, I urge the temple administration, the HR&CE Department, and the Government of Tamil Nadu to lift the restrictions imposed on local devotees at the world-renowned Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram and allow them to use the special darshan route without any fee, as has been the tradition for generations.”

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DMK-Supporting Dravidianist Propagandist Who Was With Puthiya Thalaimurai Earlier Peddles False News About New Pamban Bridge https://thecommunemag.com/dmk-supporting-dravidianist-propagandist-who-was-with-puthiya-thalaimurai-earlier-peddles-false-news-about-new-pamban-bridge/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:13:55 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=112122 DMK-supporting propagandist Niranjan Kumar, a former face of Puthiya Thalaimurai and known for his Dravidianist commentary, has come under fire for spreading misinformation about the newly inaugurated Pamban Bridge. Shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge on April 6, Niranjan took to X (formerly Twitter) and falsely claimed that […]

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DMK-supporting propagandist Niranjan Kumar, a former face of Puthiya Thalaimurai and known for his Dravidianist commentary, has come under fire for spreading misinformation about the newly inaugurated Pamban Bridge. Shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge on April 6, Niranjan took to X (formerly Twitter) and falsely claimed that the bridge had been damaged within minutes of its launch.

On his X handle, Niranjan wrote: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban Bridge today, but within minutes of his inauguration, the vertical suspension bridge was damaged.”

The post, which appeared to mock the infrastructure project, quickly gained traction among critics of the government.

However, the claim was promptly debunked by Indian Railways, which issued a categorical denial later the same evening.

Adding to the controversy, Tamil news outlet Thanthi TV, often accused of promoting Dravidianist narratives, echoed similar claims. At 8:39 AM IST on April 6, the channel posted on its X handle (@ThanthiTV): “செங்குத்து தூக்கு பாலத்தில் பழுது” (Translation: “Fault in the vertical-lift bridge”), alleging that the bridge could not be lowered properly due to a defect, leading to uneven alignment and technical issues. The report stated that officials were attempting to rectify the situation.

This narrative fueled skepticism online, with several social media users questioning the quality of the project and mocking the inauguration.

But the Indian Railways responded forcefully. At 6:27 PM IST, the Madurai Division of Southern Railway issued an official statement via X, tagging Thanthi TV directly. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Madurai, wrote, “The New Pamban Bridge was successfully inaugurated and train services have commenced. It is receiving an enthusiastic response. We request not to spread rumours. The bridge is strong and safe—please avoid carrying false or misleading information.”

The Railways’ rebuttal made it clear that it viewed Thanthi TV’s report as not only inaccurate but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The New Pamban Bridge, constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) at a cost of over ₹550 crore, is a 2.07-kilometer engineering marvel that replaces the 110-year-old structure decommissioned in December 2022. Inaugurated on Ram Navami, the bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical-lift span that allows the passage of ships beneath and supports train speeds of up to 80 kmph. The Rameswaram–Tambaram Express was the first train to cross it.

Indian Railways clarified that the bridge had undergone rigorous safety checks before inauguration, including a detailed inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) in November 2024, and successful trial runs at speeds of up to 90 kmph. Minor design deviations flagged in the CRS report were addressed ahead of the launch.

Despite these facts, neither Niranjan nor Thanthi TV issued a correction or retraction at the time of reporting. Critics have pointed out that this is not the first time the channel or its former associates have pushed narratives without verification.

Railway officials reiterated their stance, stating: “This project is a milestone in Indian infrastructure and has been completed with the highest engineering standards. Allegations of malfunction are baseless.”

As the controversy fades, the bridge continues to operate without incident—bringing renewed rail connectivity to Rameswaram and a fresh round of scrutiny to media accountability in politically charged environments.

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Hidden Camera Found In Pvt Dressing Room, Rajesh & Meeran Moideen Held; Dravidianist Media News18 Tamil Nadu Covers Up Identity Of Islamist Perpetrator While Exposing The Other https://thecommunemag.com/hidden-camera-found-in-pvt-dressing-room-rajesh-dravidianist-media-news18-tamil-nadu-covers-up-islamist-perpetrator-while-exposing-the-other/ Wed, 25 Dec 2024 13:09:39 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=102014 In a shocking incident at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, two individuals were arrested on 23 December 2024, after a hidden camera was discovered in a private women’s changing room near the Rameswaram beach in Ramanathapuram district. The police were further alarmed when they discovered over 120 videos on the suspects’ cell phones, […]

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In a shocking incident at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, two individuals were arrested on 23 December 2024, after a hidden camera was discovered in a private women’s changing room near the Rameswaram beach in Ramanathapuram district. The police were further alarmed when they discovered over 120 videos on the suspects’ cell phones, raising concerns about the possibility of these videos being shared via social media platforms like WhatsApp.

Rameswaram is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus, attracting devotees from across the country, particularly after a holy dip in the Agni Theertham and a visit to the famous Ramanathaswamy temple. It is here, at a private changing room opposite the beach, that the disturbing incident took place.

According to police reports, a group of 10 devotees from Thirumayat in Pudukottai district, including several women, arrived in Rameswaram for a spiritual trip. After taking a dip in the Agni Theertham, they paid a fee to use the changing room at a nearby tea shop. The tea stall owner directed the elderly women to one room and the younger women to another.

One of the young women, suspecting something amiss, inspected the room and discovered a hidden camera embedded between the wall tiles. Shocked, she immediately alerted her father, who then contacted the authorities.

Following the woman’s discovery, police led by Rameswaram DSP Shanthamoorthy conducted a search of the premises and seized the camera. The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects: Rajesh Kannan (34), the tea shop owner, and Meeran Moideen (34), a tea master employed at the shop. Both were arrested on charges of secretly recording women who came to change clothes. They were subsequently placed in custody at the Ramanathapuram jail.

Upon further investigation, police seized the suspects’ cell phones and found over 120 videos of women changing clothes, filmed over the past month. The authorities are now probing whether the footage was distributed or shared with others, including via messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

In response to the incident, Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjit Singh Kalon issued a statement confirming that the hidden camera had been seized, and that action had been taken against the perpetrators. The license for the room where the camera was discovered has been canceled, and the District Collector has urged devotees to use the changing rooms located within the temple premises or near the Agni Theertha beach, where security is ensured.

While this is already a serious invasion of privacy, what is more concerning is the Dravidianist media’s handling of the case. News reports from Dravidianist media outlets have been extremely selective in their coverage of the incident. While the name of Rajesh Kannan, the owner of the location, has been prominently featured, the name of Meeran Moideen, who is reportedly a key accomplice in this crime, has been conspicuously omitted from certain news outlets—particularly those with a clear Dravidianist bias.

For instance, News18 Tamil Nadu, under the direction of Karthigaichelvan, has chosen to focus solely on Kannan’s name, conveniently leaving out the full details of the involvement of Moideen. Their news card read,

“Secret Camera in Changing Room- Owner Arrested

Secret cameras in a changing room managed by a tea shop owner near Rameswaram beach. A camera was discovered when a woman went to change clothes; Police investigation found 3 cameras and arrested tea shop owner Rajesh and tea master.”

This selective reporting raises questions about the underlying bias that exists in the media landscape. By omitting the identity of Moideen—who is reportedly Muslim—the outlet distorts the narrative and creates an incomplete picture of the incident.

The fact that the name of one of the perpetrators is selectively hidden reflects the growing trend of media outlets allowing political and ideological biases to influence their reporting. In this case, it seems that a deliberate attempt was made to obscure the involvement of an individual based on his religious background, which can only be seen as an attempt to downplay the potential implications of the crime.

The public’s right to know the full details of criminal cases, especially those involving sensitive issues such as invasion of privacy, is paramount. By withholding important information, Dravidianist media outlets are failing in their duty to provide unbiased, factual news. Instead of offering balanced coverage, they are instead distorting the truth to cater to a particular ideological narrative. This not only undermines journalistic integrity but also compromises public trust in the media.

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Copper Plate Reveals Historical Syncretism: Misappropriation Of Dargah Property Linked To Sin Of Cow Slaughter, Says Ancient Tamil Inscription https://thecommunemag.com/copper-plate-reveals-historical-syncretism-misappropriation-of-dargah-property-linked-to-sin-of-cow-slaughter-says-ancient-tamil-inscription/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:04:38 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=95846 A recently rediscovered copper plate belonging to the Muthukumara Vijayaragunatha Sethupathi Kaathathevar sheds light on an age-old belief linking religious responsibility with moral consequences across faiths. The copper plate, held by the Habil and Qabil Dargah in Rameswaram, contains an inscription stating that any misappropriation of the proceeds from Pakkiri Puthukulam village, donated to the […]

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A recently rediscovered copper plate belonging to the Muthukumara Vijayaragunatha Sethupathi Kaathathevar sheds light on an age-old belief linking religious responsibility with moral consequences across faiths. The copper plate, held by the Habil and Qabil Dargah in Rameswaram, contains an inscription stating that any misappropriation of the proceeds from Pakkiri Puthukulam village, donated to the dargah, would incur the severe spiritual sin associated with cow slaughter. This sin, traditionally regarded as one of the most severe in Hinduism, would also extend to Muslims or anyone else guilty of such an act, according to the inscription.

The dargah, located close to the residence of the late Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has a long history of attracting devotees across religious backgrounds. The copper plate, currently in the possession of Ahamed Jallaudin, son of Arulmozhi alias Asiammal, trustee of the dargah, links the religious site’s property with strict moral stipulations. According to historian S.M. Kamal’s modern translation of the text, “He who properly maintains the property will be blessed with the benefit of offering food (annadhanam) in Mecca, Madina, the Ganga, and the Sethu [Rameswaram].” However, anyone who misappropriates its proceeds “will incur the sin of killing his parents and a cow in Mecca, Madina, on the banks of the Ganga, and in the Sethu,” the inscription declares.

The Habil and Qabil Dargah believed to be a resting place for the Biblical Cain and Abel, or Habil and Qabil in Islamic tradition, sits within a lush campus surrounded by banyan and palm trees. The graves, each a striking 57 feet long, draw a steady stream of visitors, especially from Kerala, who come to offer prayers at the memorials. According to local tradition, the dargah’s unusually long graves reflect the belief that these ancient figures were of superhuman size.

The historical inscription also reveals deep ties between the Sethupathis of Ramanathapuram and the Muslim community. The grant of Pakkiri Puthukulam to the dargah underscores the bond of friendship and mutual respect, famously demonstrated by merchant prince Shaikh Abdul Qadir, also known as Seethakathi, a close associate of Vijaya Raghunatha Thevar, the Sethupathi ruler of Ramanathapuram.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who grew up near the dargah, shared memories of his family’s close connection to local Hindu traditions in his memoir Wings of Fire. He recounted how his family, through generations, was honored during the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony at the nearby Ramanathaswamy Temple. “My great-great-grandfather was treated like a hero,” he wrote, recalling a rare tradition where the temple awarded his family the first honor, or Mudhal Mariadhai, in recognition of their longstanding service.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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Rajasthan CM Flags Off Madurai-Rameswaram Pilgrimage Special Train From Jaipur https://thecommunemag.com/rajasthan-cm-flags-off-madurai-rameswaram-pilgrimage-special-train-from-jaipur/ Tue, 03 Sep 2024 05:42:05 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=85563 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma flagged off a pilgrimage special train from Jaipur to Madurai and Rameswaram on Monday. On the occasion, CM Sharma said that visiting pilgrimage sites gives peace to the mind and infuses new energy and positivity. Under the state government’s Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, the special train was flagged off […]

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma flagged off a pilgrimage special train from Jaipur to Madurai and Rameswaram on Monday. On the occasion, CM Sharma said that visiting pilgrimage sites gives peace to the mind and infuses new energy and positivity.

Under the state government’s Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, the special train was flagged off from Durgapura Railway Station. “Our country was attacked many times by invaders who destroyed our cultural and religious heritage.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has protected and developed our cultural centres. Under his leadership, India’s centuries-old dream of building a grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya has been fulfilled.

Our cultural heritage has also been strengthened by unprecedented works like the construction of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi and Mahakal Lok in Ujjain,” the CM said CM Sharma further said that taking inspiration from the Prime Minister, the state government is doing works like the development of shrines and organising pilgrimages for senior citizens.

“At the start of this year, about 3000 pilgrims were taken to Ayodhya for the darshan of Shri Ram Lalla. Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, this year, 15000 pilgrims will be taken to Ayodhya and equal number of pilgrims will be taken to other pilgrimage sites, which include Rameswaram-Madurai, Jagannathpuri, Tirupati, Dwarkapuri-Somnath, Vaishno Devi-Amritsar, Prayagraj-Varanasi, Mathura-Vrindavan-Barsana, Ujjain-Omkareshwar-Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), Gangasagar (Kolkata) and others. Also, 6000 pilgrims will be taken on pilgrimage to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu (Nepal) by air,” he added.

CM Sharma said that the state government will make all the arrangements for these pilgrims, including transportation, food, and accommodation, at an estimated expenditure of about Rs 80 crore.

About 780 senior citizens of Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and Kota districts are travelling in the special train that left for a seven-day journey from Jaipur to Madurai and Rameshwaram. In this pilgrimage, two government employees have been deputed in every coach to care for the passengers. Also, a doctor, two nursing officers, and security personnel are on the train to ensure the health and safety of the passengers.

This story is based on an IANS wire feed.

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“TN Govt Has Requested Cancellation Of Rameshwaram-Dhanushkodi Rail Project”, Says Union Railway Minister; Dhanushkodi Holds Spiritual Significance For Hindus https://thecommunemag.com/dmk-cancel-rameshwaram-dhanushkodi-project/ Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:59:54 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=81580 Tamil Nadu has formally communicated to the railway ministry its request to cancel the proposed 17-km rail line project from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi, according to Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement on 24 July 2024. Responding to inquiries about project delays in the state, Vaishnaw emphasized the central government’s commitment to accelerating nationwide projects, contingent on […]

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Tamil Nadu has formally communicated to the railway ministry its request to cancel the proposed 17-km rail line project from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi, according to Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement on 24 July 2024.

Responding to inquiries about project delays in the state, Vaishnaw emphasized the central government’s commitment to accelerating nationwide projects, contingent on state cooperation in land acquisition. Although specifics of the state’s request were not detailed, sources indicated Tamil Nadu’s concerns about the ecological sensitivity of the project area. The initiative to establish a broad-gauge rail line has stalled due to the railways’ challenges in acquiring necessary land.

Dhanushkodi holds significance as a Hindu pilgrimage site where devotees traditionally conclude their pilgrimage by bathing in its waters, believed to mark the beginning of Ram Sethu. The railway station in Dhanushkodi was rendered unusable after being ravaged by the 1964 Rameshwaram cyclone, transforming the once-thriving tourist destination into an abandoned ghost town.

Earlier in the day, the railway ministry informed the Lok Sabha that several critical infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu are delayed primarily due to land acquisition issues. In a written reply, Vaishnaw stated that only 807 hectares of the required 2,749 hectares have been acquired so far, attributing the shortfall to unsuccessful efforts by the railways. He underscored the need for Tamil Nadu’s cooperation to expedite land acquisition.

Later, Vaishnaw informed reporters that the central government has substantially increased budgetary allocations for all states, including Tamil Nadu, with an allocation of ₹6,362 crore for the current fiscal year, significantly higher than the average annual allocation during the previous administration’s tenure.

Supporters of this project believe that this stretch would have given a big boost to not only religious tourism in Rameswaram but also provide a logistical advantage to the marine security forces to maintain a strategic vigil along the coastal stretch.

(With inputs from Times Of India)

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“Don’t Read From Paper Bit”: Annamalai Lambasts MK Stalin, Lists Out Development Projects Of PM Modi In Rameswaram & Dhanushkodi https://thecommunemag.com/dont-read-from-paper-bit-annamalai-lambasts-mk-stalin-lists-out-development-projects-of-pm-modi-in-rameswaram-dhanushkodi/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:29:17 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=59444 Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, embarked on an official tour of Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts, where he engaged with local fishermen in the Rameswaram region. Subsequently, he took part in the Fisherman’s Welfare Conference held this morning in Ramanathapuram. During this event, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the essential contribution of fishermen to the growth […]

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Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, embarked on an official tour of Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts, where he engaged with local fishermen in the Rameswaram region. Subsequently, he took part in the Fisherman’s Welfare Conference held this morning in Ramanathapuram. During this event, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the essential contribution of fishermen to the growth of Tamil Nadu, the fifth-largest Indian state in the fishing sector.

Addressing a gathering, CM MK Stalin remarked, “Since the ascent of the BJP to power at the central government, there have been 48 reported instances of assaults on fishermen, resulting in the arrest of 619 fishermen over a span of 9 years. The responsibility for these attacks on Tamil Nadu’s fishermen lies with the BJP administration.”

He went on to express that Narendra Modi has taken no substantial actions for Rameshwaram, highlighting that the 209-crore project aimed at constructing a bridge connecting Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, for which the foundation was laid in 2019, remains unfinished.

Amidst this scenario, Tamil Nadu’s BJP President, Annamalai, responded strongly to the statement made by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu during the ‘En Mann En Makkal’ yatra.

While delivering a speech at a rally, Annamalai countered, “Just yesterday in Ramanathapuram, MK Stalin claimed that PM Narendra Modi has not upheld his commitment regarding Rameshwaram, particularly concerning the 209-crore project intended to link Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi with a bridge. The foundation stone for this project was laid by Narendra Modi in 2019. I project will be completed anytime soon.”

He elaborated, “However, I would like to bring to CM Stalin’s attention the cyclone that struck Dhanushkodi in 1964, devastating the livelihoods of the locals, their possessions, and the infrastructure in both Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. Following that calamity, Dhanushkodi was left unattended, despite being a place visited by Lord Shiva and Lord Ram. This might be one of the reasons why Dhanushkodi and Rameshwaram were neglected by the DMK. In the wake of the 1964 cyclone, you have assumed power in Tamil Nadu six times, yet no efforts were directed towards the betterment of Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. The initiative to lay the foundation stone for a bridge connecting these areas was taken by Narendra Modi.”

Annamalai pointed out, “Even though the road linking Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi was destroyed in 1964, the DMK has not taken any action to reconstruct it. It was Narendra Modi who allocated 70 crores for the construction of this road when BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan held a ministerial position. Beyond the road, the central government’s solar power scheme facilitated the provision of electricity to the residents of Dhanushkodi.”

Continuing, he remarked, “Despite your lack of action for Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi during your tenure in power, you are now attempting to find fault with the accomplishments of Narendra Modi. This is why we urge you not to rely on notes scribbled on a piece of paper while speaking. Refrain from reading others’ scripted words. Instead, lend an ear to the people. Failing to do so may lead you to a dead-end.”

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Annamalai’s “En Mann, En Makkal” Padayatra Gets Off To An Electrifying Start https://thecommunemag.com/annamalais-en-mann-en-makkal-padayatra-gets-off-to-an-electrifying-start/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:35:57 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=58608 On 28 July 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘En Mann, En Makkal’ padayatra (foot march) campaign spearheaded by BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. The campaign, which translates to ‘My Land, My People,’ is seen as the BJP blowing the conch for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The […]

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On 28 July 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘En Mann, En Makkal’ padayatra (foot march) campaign spearheaded by BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.

The campaign, which translates to ‘My Land, My People,’ is seen as the BJP blowing the conch for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The yatra aims to cover all 234 Assembly constituencies in the state in a span of 100 days.

Massive crowd thronged the venue of the inauguration ceremony in Rameshwaram, with more than a lakh people in attendance according to a few sources.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah also released a book titled “Tamizhukkum Tamizhagathrikum – Modi Enna Seidhar” (What did PM Modi do for Tamil and Tamil Nadu?). Over 1 crore copies of this book will be distributed across the state during the course of the yatra.

As Home Minister Amit Shah introduced BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai, the crowd went into a frenzy cheering for the latter.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Home Minister Amit Shah launched a blistering attack on the DMK and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

He called the MK Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu as the most corrupt in the entire country and said that Stalin should be ashamed of himself for not dismissing Minister Senthilbalaji who has been sent to jail for corruption.

“Stalin is afraid that Senthilbalaji may reveal the secrets if he is removed as Minister.”, Amit Shah said.

He also hailed Annamalai and said that one tweet from him is enough to shake the DMK government.

Annamalai said that the En Mann, En Makkal yatra has the potential to alter the political situation of Tamil Nadu.

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