Saddam's hanging leads to protests in Punjab

Jalandhar, Dec 30 (UNI) Activists of communist parties today held demonstrations and burnt effigies of US President George Bush at several places in Punjab in protest against the execution of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad.

The Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) activists held a demonstration and burnt an effigy of President Bush at the BMC Chowk here. The party activists also held a similar protest in Noormahal town of the district.

Communist Party Marxist Punjab (Pasla) also held demonstrations in Jalandhar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Taran Tarn, Jandiala, Nakodar and Hoshiarpur.

In Jalandhar, the party supporters held a demonstration at the Jyoti Chowk and blocked traffic for some time.

Party state secretary Mangat Ram Pasla condemned US President George Bush and ''the US-backed Iraq Government'' for execution of the former Iraqi President on ''fake charges''.

The execution had clearly showed that the US imperialists were not bothered about any law, public opinion or even resistance from local people and were keen to establish their supremacy and control over the world, particularly the developing countries, Mr Pasla said.

UNI SS MA RR BD1810