LEFTISTS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST SADDAM HUSSEIN'S DEATH

UNCLAS CALCUTTA 000508 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC PTER PGOV IN SUBJECT: LEFTISTS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST SADDAM HUSSEIN'S DEATH SENTENCE REF: STATE 182968 ¶1. (SBU) In response to ref. A, on November 5, post convened an EAC meeting to discuss the local security implications of the death sentence verdict in the Saddam Hussein case. EAC had no indication of direct threats. However, local security and police were directed to be alert for possible protests against the USG. ¶2. (SBU) On November 6, post issued the Department approved warden message alerting AMCITS in the Consular district about the possibility of demonstrations. The leadership of Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM),which rules West Bengal, condemned the death sentence. On November 5, State CPM General Secretary Biman Basu described the verdict as "judicial assassination" and added "We have asked our party units to call upon democratic minded citizens to protest." The CPM leadership met on November 6 in Calcutta to plan a program of protests against the the USG. ¶3. (SBU) At 1510 hrs on November 5, 300 members of the Student Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI),the student and youth wings of the CPM, demonstrated in front of the Consulate's American Center, post's Public Affairs office. The demonstration was peaceful and lasted for approximately 40 minutes. The demonstrators carried banners demanding "Saddam not be hanged, to be released," "Down with U.S. Imperialism," and "U.S. hands off of asian countries." Speakers condemned the U.S. for interfering in Iraq's internal affairs and shouted slogans such as "Students of the world unite and oppose Saddam hanging," and "U.S. get out of Iraq." The demonstrators also burned an effigy of President Bush. ¶4. (SBU) Post does not anticipate violence against AMCITs or USG property and personnel. However, a series of protests orchestrated by the Leftist groups will likely continue over the next few days or weeks and create disruptions for operations at the American Center. Muslim demonstrations are also possible, but the dominance of the CPM in West Bengal, will ensure much of the protest activity will be coordinated by the CPM and its allies. Other states in East and Northeast India will not likely see anti-U.S. activities. JARDINE