Скачать или смотреть INDIA: NEW DELHI: PROTESTORS BURN CLINTON'S EFFIGY

(19 Mar 2000) Natural Sound

Hours before President Clinton's arrival in India, a group of demonstrators took to the streets in the Indian capital to protest against his visit.

They burned his effigy, saying the American President represents the interests of corporate imperialists.

India's communist parties have already announced plans to hold anti-Clinton demonstrations across the country during his five day stay in India.

"Clinton, go back" and "Clinton down, down" was the chorus which would greet the American President for the Indian leg of his tour.

Bill Clinton's visit has led to a string of protests from groups opposing the multinationals leading the process of economic globalisation.

"Death to Bill Clinton. Death to the imperialism of multinationals," chanted the crowd as a man poured kerosene over the straw and cloth effigy and set it aflame with a match stick.

The protesters, from a little known peace group called the "Save Freedom Movement," objects to sanctions the United States imposed against India after it tested nuclear weapons in 1998.

They also say Washington wants to dominate the world with its imperialist policies.

Protesters said Clinton's effigy was burned as part of the traditional Hindu practice of Holika Dahan, or the "Burning of Holika," a day before Holi, the spring festival of colours.

Holi will be celebrated across India on Monday, when Clinton makes a day trip to Bangladesh.

According to legend, Holika, the sister of a dreaded demon, was burned to death when she tried to devour a child devotee of Vishnu, one of three highest ranking gods in the Hindu pantheon.

Though most Indians welcome Clinton's visit, the first by an American president in 22 years, several nationalist and communist groups believe Clinton represents neo-colonialism and will push American economic interests at the cost of India's.

The groups also fear India will be pressured to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a global nuclear test ban agreement most nuclear powers of the world haven't signed or ratified.

SOUNDBITE ( English ) :
"He represents the unholy trinity of IMF, World Bank and the WTO. He represents the domination of the multinational corporations in the world. He represents the cultural onslaught on our people and on our culture. And therefore we feel threatened by his arrival here in
the country. We are not happy with our government which is capitulating completely shamelessly."
SUPER CAPTION : Swami Agnivesh, Social activist

Agnivesh said he will begin a five day fast the moment Clinton steps on Indian soil.

Many groups have decided to stage demonstrations during President Clinton's five day visit here.

Unprecedented security cover has been put in place for the President's stay in the country.

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