CPI(M) Jathas from Chennai and Kolkata against nuclear pact

Kolkata, Aug 9 (UNI) Protesting the Indo-American bilateral nuclear agreement, the CPI(M) will take out 'jathas'(processions) from Chennai and Kolkata early next month to converge in Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

West Bengal Left Front Committee Chairman Biman Basu today said both the 'jathas' would set out on September four and reach Vishakhapatnam on September eight.

"The Kolkata jatha will take the route through Midnapore via Chandaneswar, Bhadrak and Cuttack before reaching Vishakhapatnam where it will converge with the jatha members from Chennai," Mr.Basu told reporters after a Left Front meeting.

Describing Indo-American nuclear treaty as a potent threat to the country's sovereignty, he said the Left parties would demand changes in certain 'obnoxious' provisions in the text.

Mr.Basu observed that the agreement would prevent India from independently going into separate nuclear pacts with countries like Iran.

"If this agreement is implemented, it will directly relate India's foreign policy to that of the US and we will unknowingly be its partner without being a member of the military alliances like NATO or SEATO. The agreement in its present form cannot be placed in Parliament for approval without amending the country's constitution," he said.

Mr.Basu informed that the Left Front had decided to observe anti-imperialism day throughout the state in September through various cultural events under Indo-Vietnam friendship programme.

Legendary Vietnamese leader Madam Bin, who was a major force behind the anti-US struggle, had been invited to attend the programmes, he said.

UNI