Thousands protest in US against Iraq war

NEW YORK: Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in more than a dozen cities in the US from New York to San Francisco demanding an early end to Iraq war, asking the lawmakers to cut off funding for it and shouting slogans against possible military action in Iran.

The United for Peace and Justice, a coalition of several political, social and religious organisations, organised the protests on Saturday to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the American Congress authorising war against Iraq.

Although a consolidated figure was not available immediately, reports said streets were filled with thousands of anti-war activists, labour and religious leaders and their sympathisers, who carried placard and shouted slogans to press for an immediate end to the unpopular war in Iraq. They called for "dropping tuition, not bombs" and replacing "Healthcare for Warfare."

Police were present in strength but no incident was reported.

In New York, thousands braved rain to participate in anti war demonstrations. They came not only from New York but also neighbouring States of New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.