Date:31/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/31/stories/2006123104020900.htm

National

Protests in J&K

Staff Reporter

Jammu: There were protests against the execution of the former Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, in various parts of the State. A gathering of civilians in the city, raising anti-U.S. slogans, burnt an effigy of U.S. President George Bush.

Cutting across party lines, leaders condemned the hanging. Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad described the hanging as unfortunate and said the execution hurt the sentiments of all those who believe in democracy.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party chief, Bhim Singh, said Mr. Bush and the British Prime Minister Tony Blair should be brought to trial for the killing of 5.5 lakh Iraqis.