HASSAN: Leaders and members of the district units of the Left parties, Samajwadi Party, All India Progressive Janata Dal, Dalit and farmers' organisations, Students' Federation of India, the Democratic Youth Federation of India, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and other progressive organisations came together on Thursday to oppose the visit of U.S. President George W. Bush to India, at a rally near the Hemavathi statue here.

The rally, in which over 1,000 people participated, denounced the American foreign policy. The protesters assembled near the Hemavathi statue in the morning and shouted slogans against Mr. Bush and criticised the U.S. for attacking Iraq and threatening Iran if it does not abandon its nuclear ambitions. Addressing the gathering, leaders of various political parties said Mr. Bush is not welcome in India.

Terming him an "imperialist aggressor" who is bullying Iran over its nuclear programmes, the protesters criticised the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government for "supporting" the U.S. in its policies towards Iran.

Procession

They took out a procession raising slogans against the visit of Mr. Bush to India. On reaching Narasimharaja Circle, where the meeting culminated, the protesters formed a human chain and burnt an effigy of Mr. Bush protesting against the "hegemony" of the U.S.

The protesters alleged that the U.S. and Britain attacked Iraq on the ground that the latter possessed weapons of mass destruction even before the U.N. completed its inspection.

They are now adopting the same strategy to attack Iran to take control of its oil resources, they added.

Communist Party of India district unit secretary V. Sukumar said the U.S. is adopting double standards on the nuclear policy, which is indicated by its stance towards Iran and Israel.

Members of the Students' Federation of India and DYFI held a candle-light vigil in memory of those who fought against imperialist forces.

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