VHP on Saturday alleged the anti-nuclear protests in the country were being instigated by the US in order to thwart India from exploiting its rich thorium reserves and steal a march in atomic effiency.
Senior VHP leader Ashok Singal, who was asked about the ongoing protests against Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu, said such protests were instigated by the US with NGOs and churches "playing a role in this effort".

He alleged that 4,000 odd NGOs and churches were involved in the protests and they should be curbed "firmly by both the state and the central governments".

Talking to reporters during his visit to the Sankara Mutt here, he alleged churches were extending patronage to the continuing protests against KNPP in various places.

"They are all instigated by the US, which does not want India to take advantage of its rich thorium resources and steal a march in nuclear efficiency," he said.

Singal claimed Pakistan-backed miliants were stirring up trouble in Muslim pockets in Uttar Pradesh, disrupting peace and harmony, citing recent alleged desecration of idols in an ancient temple in Faizabad.