Bangalore: India`s IT hub seemed to transform
to a different level as scores of anti-corruption crusaders
including US students, took centre stage at Freedom Park here
on Sunday, voicing their support for Anna Hazare.
Eleven American students turned up for rallies and protest
marches being held in support of the anti-corruption campaign
launched by Hazare, whose fast entered the sixth day.
Lending their support, they joined hundreds of national
flag-bearing protesters at Freedom Park. "The Indian
government must listen to the demands of the people by passing
the Jan Lokpal Bill immediately to curb corruption ... Anna
Hazare is simply fantastic," they said.
Asked why he came to support Anna Hazare, a student,
Robert, replied that corruption has become a global issue and
he would take back the idea of non-violent agitation to fight
the US government (on issues).
The support for Hazare has been increasing day by day. Last
evening, around 25,000 protesters converged at the Freedom
Park and participated in candle march.
Today being a Sunday, more than 25,000 people are expected
to gather at the venue.
As many as 35 people, including renowned cardiac surgeon Dr
Devi Shetty and popular Kannada comedian Master Hiranaiah, sat
on dharna to support the anti-graft crusader`s fight against
corruption.
Since early morning, students, working class and IT
professionals staged protests at the venue. Some others took
out rallies on bicycles, demanding an end to corruption.
"The Central Government seems to be without any stand on
the matter. Their flip-flop on the issue shows they have been
shaken by Anna Hazare`s fight against corruption," they said.
Hazare`s demand to bring the Prime Minister`s Office under
the ambit of Lokpal is absolutely right, they added.
Meanwhile in Karwar, people staged a protest by immersing
themselves in the Arabian Sea for an hour.
In Mysore, a popular rock band-- "Rock Band Veda"--
performed to the tune of anti-corruption movement to mobilize
the mass in support of Hazare.
PTI
