Date:26/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/26/stories/2008022661691000.htm

National

AISA protests against US Secretary’s visit

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Activists of the All India Students’ Association staged a protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar here on Monday against US Defence Secretary Robert Gates’ visit beginning this week during which he is likely to sign the Indo-US “Logistics Support Agreement” (LSA).

According to AISA, this was yet another indicator that far from being on hold, the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal and all its “attendant military deals were well on track”.

Addressing the demonstration, AISA national general secretary Ravi Rai alleged: “The LSA’s implications are more far-reaching and comprehensive than the port call by the USS Nimitz or the joint naval exercises. The LSA is essentially a barter of goods and services between the armed forces of both the countries. It will effectively oblige the Indian armed forces to provide a range of services to their US counterparts.”

AISA national executive member Sandeep Singh said: “Under the LSA, India will be obligated to provide services such as refuelling and port facilities to US warships.”