Saddam's execution evoke strong reaction, Bush's effigy burnt

Dehra Dun, Dec 30 (UNI) The execution of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein evoked strong reaction in the capital city of Uttaranchal with several political parties and organisations burning the effigy of US President George Bush here today.

Members of Indian Union Muslim League, Communist Party of India (Marxists), Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party, in different groups gathered at Clock Tower and burnt the effigy of Mr Bush amidst sloganeering against him and the US.

Terming Mr Bush as the international terrorist dictator, Uttaranchal-in-charge of Indian Union Muslim League Shadab Shams said India should end all kinds of relationship with the US and close the American Embassy in India.

He said under the leadership of United Nations Organisation, a case ought to be registered against Mr Bush in International Court of Human Rights Commission for ''killing'' seven lakh innocent Iraqi citizens, including women and children.

CPI(M) leader Surendra Singh Sajwan said Mr Bush had insulted Democratic values and proliferated fear in the world. The execution of Saddam Hussein was a total insult and against the opinion of world.

Samajwadi Party National General Secretary Vinod Barthwal maintained that execution of Saddam was carried out on the behest of the US President George bush who himself was terrorising the world.

The former Iraqi president ousted in April 2003 by a US-led Invasion was convicted last month for crimes against humanity over the killings of 148 Shi'ite villagers from Dujail after a failed assassination bid in 1982.

Saddam was reportedly hanged at 0830 hrs IST today.

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