Sharon pledge to boost ties with India triggers protests

By: Irfan Malik

NEW DELHI, India: Thousands of Muslims took to the streets in Indian cities as well as Indian-occupied Kashmir on Tuesday to protest a trip by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, chanting: “Go back Sharon – killer of innocent Palestinians.”

Police detained more than 100 Muslim protesters in the financial capital of Bombay, where Sharon is due Thursday. Massive rallies and demonstrations were witnessed in Bombay, New Delhi, Old Delhi, Calcutta and many other cities. Protestors were carrying large anti-Sharon banners and placards inscribed with the slogans: “World’s three biggest terrorist – Bush-Blair-Sharon,” “He is a terrorist,” “Sharon is a war criminal,” and “Butcher Sharon.”

Sharon pledged to build closer ties with India Tuesday, a move that has triggered protests by Indian Muslims and raised concern in neighboring Pakistan which said increased defense cooperation between its nuclear-armed rival and Israel could destabilize the region. Pakistan said any India-Israel-US axis directed against Muslims would be a negative development.

Sharon and his Indian counterpart A B Vajpayee said the historic first visit by an Israeli premier offered the chance to give fresh shape to an old relationship.

Sharon's visit is expected to advance defense deals, including the sale of a more than $1 billion Israeli airborne early warning radar system. The three Phalcon radars would put large parts of Pakistan under Indian surveillance.

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