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VHP's shaktipeeth to be built 50 kms from Pokhran

The controversial shaktipeeth (seat of strength) to celebrate India's 'nuclear renaissance', proposed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, would be built 50 kilometres from Pokhran, and dedicated to Shakti, the goddess of strength.

VHP general secretary Acharya Giriraj Kishore, who announced the decisions, clarified that the temple would be constructed by the Sadhu Samaj, an organisation sponsored by the VHP, and not by the parent body.

He said the shakthipeeth would be built on private land, and would be the 53rd of its kind in the country. The planning for the temple would begin this year. However, the VHP official did not disclose any deadline for its completion.

''Pokhran has a special significance for the country and is an ideal place for the shaktipeeth. Baba Ramdev is worshipped here for the reforms he brought in society and for the protection of women. Also, the place became famous in 1974 when Mrs Indira Gandhi conducted the first nuclear test. Now the Vajpayee government has conducted the first fusion test,'' he said.

The VHP official congratulated the government for the will power it showed in continuing with the tests even after international warnings. "The bombs must have been ready long ago but it was the will power which the previous governments lacked," he said.

Welcoming the government's tough posture against Pakistan on the terrorism issue, acharya Kishore said the government had warned Pakistan in ''firm but friendly'' terms of serious consequences if the proxy continued.

''To end terrorism in the country, it was important that terrorism promoting centres are set right,'' he said.

Asked specifically what he meant by ''setting right,'' he said Pakistan should be given due warning -- if they still persisted, they should be attacked. He, however, clarified that it was his personal opinion.

On the issue of the Ayodhya temple construction he said: ''We demolished it in one day without notice. We will construct it similarly.''

UNI

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