Anti-Bush protests at Azad Maidan

Mumbai, Mar 2 (UNI) A large number of people today held a protest demonstration against US President George Bush and his visit to India at Azad Maidan here, branding him ''the unwanted guest and the greatest terrorist.'' Carrying placards against Mr Bush and the US policy, the members belonging to four Left parties--Forum Against War and Terrorism, Jamat-E-Ulema-E-Hind, All India Mili Council, Jamat-E-Islami, Muslim Council, Shia Council and Qaumi Majlis-E-Shoora--raised slogans for over two hours against the US President whom the protestors termed ''the cause of all ills faced by the world today. '' They also burnt the effigy of Mr Bush.

The protestors alleged that Mr Bush's visit is an attempt of the US administration to influence India's economy and foreign policy.

They also flayed the UP government for his visit to India saying ''the spineless UPA government is hosting the son of Satan George W Bush.'' ''After Iraq, the USA is tightening its grip on Iran and next in line is India and hence it is time to trounce the imperialist and fascists forces led by the US,'' the protestors observed in unison.

A large number of police personnel were deployed at the Maidan to prevent any untoward incident and traffic came to a halt during the demonstration.

UNI ADG KD SHB RN1807