Press Statement
Harkishan Singh Surjeet, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The permission given to two US ships engaged in the war in Iraq to dock at Kochi ostensibly for “rest” is highly condemnable. The two ships carrying more than 400 soldiers and officers have been permitted by the Government of India to dock at Kochi for four days. These ships are also carrying deadly guided missiles and other military equipment that were meant for use in the war of aggression against Iraq.
By providing such facilities to the US occupation army, the Vajpayee government has insulted the sensibilities of the Indian people. Bowing to US pressure, the Vajpayee government has acted against the spirit of the resolution adopted in parliament against the war in Iraq. This approval comes amidst the increasing pressure to send Indian troops to help the occupation regime in Iraq.
There have been widespread allegations of misdemeanor against US troops, wherever such port calls have been allowed in other countries.
The democratic forces in the country will have to assert themselves to stop the BJP-led government from wilting to US pressure and committing India to its dictates, against the wishes of the Indian people.
Huge protests are being organised by the CPI(M) in Kerala today against the permission granted for the docking of these ships on Indian shores.