BHAVNAGAR, India: The bombing on Askariya shrine in Samarra which brought down its two holy minarets elicited large-scale protests by Bhavnagar residents.

The protests against the US demanded the withdrawal of its foreign troops from Iraq. Led by Imam-e-Jumma, Maulana Sayed Tehkikhusain Rizvi, Number of Muslims protested US and its president George W Bush, burnt his effigy and said that the attack on their religious places are being sponsored by the US and Israel and it is a conspiracy to divide the Muslims.

Maulana Rizvi, who led a meeting attended by large number of Shia Muslims after Friday prayers in Shia Jame Masjid, Ambachowk, Bhavnagar said there are certain agents of US government who are trying to create rift among Muslims in India as well as in Lucknow.

The Meeting was also addressed by leading Advocate and President of Khoja Shia Isna Asheri Jamat, Bhanvagar Gujarat India.