J'khand Govt criticises Saddam hanging

Ranchi, Dec 30 (UNI) Jharkhand government today criticised the US for the execution of former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein, terming the incident as ''harmful sign for democratic countries'' .

State Health Minister Lal Hemendra Pratap Dehati told reporters here that the 'puppet government' of Iraq acted on US directions and executed Saddam.

Mr Dehati said all the democratic forces throughout the world should raise their voices against the decision, adding the Asian countries should come on a common platform against the US.

Congratulating Russia for raising its voice against the US, Mr Dehati said, ''It was necessary to resist the US to save democracy.'' He said, ''Saddam Hussein was a true friend of India and had helped the country on various occasions.'' UNI AM JYN MSJ BD1643