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Rally, signature campaign mark anti-war day

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, MARCH 20. A rally and a signature campaign seeking the immediate evacuation of American troops from Iraq marked the "Anti-War Day" protests in the city on Saturday, the first anniversary of the invasion of Iraq by U.S.-led coalition forces.

Several trade unions and human rights organisations participated in the rally organised by the World Social Forum this morning. Protesters raised slogans against the U.S. and British Governments for failing to provide conclusive evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. The rally proceeded from Munroe statue on Anna Salai towards the Government Estate. Later in the day, at a meeting organised by the Movement for People's Unity, a signature campaign was launched to appeal to the world community not to recognise or support any "puppet" government imposed on Iraq.

Senior journalist Malan, who addressed the gathering, pointed out that a recent order issued by the U.S.-backed caretaker government in Iraq had made women's rights — to education and work — the prerogative of regional religious leaders. "Iraq was the first Arab country to grant rights for women in 1959. But the caretaker government, which is being touted as the saviour of Iraq, has effectively reversed the order."

On the Centre's stand on Iraq war, Mr. Malan said the National Democratic Alliance Government supported the war because it did not believe in secular values.

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