Hartal in Kerala to condemn Saddam's execution

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 (UNI) The Left parties and the Congress in Kerala today called for a hartal this afternoon to condemn the execution of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

The CPI(M) and the Congress took out protest marches in the city condemning the execution. The pro-CPI(M) Democratic Youth Federation of India and the All India Youth Federation also staged protest marches and burned the effigy of US President George W Bush.

Condemning the execution, Chief Minister V S Achutanandan said it was deplorable that the 'heinous act' was carried out when Muslims worldwide were preparing for Id.

He said America, through this act, had once again demonstrated that it cared little for world peace and the sentiments of the majority.

Pradesh Congress President Ramesh Chennithala said the US would have 'to face severe consequences' for ignoring the rest of the world's sentiments.

The Sabarimala and Sivagiri pilgrims have been exempted from the hartal.

UNI PN PB DS1521