NEW DELHI, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- India has expressed disappointment about the execution of Iraqi former president Saddam Hussein and hoped the process of restoring peace in Iraq will not be affected.

    Sunday's The Hindu newspaper quoted Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee as saying, "We had already expressed the hope that the execution would not be carried out. We are disappointed that it has been. We hope that this unfortunate event will not affect the process of reconciliation, restoration of peace and normalcy in Iraq."

    After informed about the news, the Indian government issued a general alert to all states to strengthen security around foreign missions.

    Indian residents in several places including India-controlled Kashmir, south Indian state Kerala and Andhra Pradesh had went on street to protest the execution of Saddam Hussein.