Left to launch movement against Indo-US defence ties

Chennai, Aug 19 (UNI) The CPI(M) and the CPI today jointly announced they would launch a nationwide movement against the 'Centre's steps to become a military ally of the US.' In a statement here, Tamil Nadu CPI (M) Secretary N Varadarajan and Tamil Nadu CPI Secretary D Pandian, referring to joint Indo-US Naval exercises scheduled to be held between September four and nine, said they were against Indian Naval interests and the country's sovereignity and independent foreign policy.

A propaganda movement will be launched against Indo-US military cooperation and joint naval exercises from Chennai and Kolkata towards Visakhapatanam (where the exercises will be conducted) from September four to eight.

Teams headed by CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat from Chennai and CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan from Kolkata will begin the journey to Visakhapatnam on September four, they said.

UNI