Left youths stage demonstration on Saddam execution

Kolkata, Dec 30 (UNI) Shouting anti-Bush slogans, Leftist students and youths organised a massive demonstration in front of American Center here today in protest against the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Led by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students Federation of India(SFI), frontal wings of the CPI(M), members of 12 Left student and youth organisations marched one km from the statue of Lenin in the city's Esplanade area to stage the demonstration. They also burnt the effigy of US President George Bush for what they alleged masterminding the 'judicial murder' of Saddam Hussein and occupying Iraq.

A large contingent of policemen, already present in front of the American Centre, created a barricade and held back the surging youths at a particular point.

However, no arrests had been reported.

Holding placards and festoons decrying the Bush Government and shouting "down with US imperialism" slogan, the agitators held the demostration for about 40 minutes.

UNI KDG PC KLC1659