Day-long fasts observed in city in support of Anna Hazare

PUNE: About 60 members of the Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan observed a day-long fast on Wednesday to register their support for social activist Anna Hazare, who observed a fast at Rajghat in Delhi, condemning the government's action against Baba Ramdev's supporters at Ramlila ground.
Another 300 followers of Hazare from Ralegan Siddhi also observed a one-day fast at the Parner tehsil office to support Hazare.
The hunger strike by Bhrashtrachar Virodhi Jan Andolan began outside the office of the district collector at 10 am on Wednesday. Participants raised slogans in support of Hazare's fight against corruption. The strike continued till 5 pm. Participants also submitted a memorandum to the district collector in the afternoon to mark their support for Hazare.
"We are showing our solidarity with Hazare. We condemn the brutal action taken against the agitators at Ramlila ground. Our voice will reach to the government through the memorandum," said Radheshyam Jagtap, who participated in the hunger strike outside the office of the district collector.
"The entire nation is following Hazare's steps. Hunger strike is a constitutional right of every citizen and the government cannot stop anyone from executing it," added Jagtap.
Prakash Porwal, another supporter said, "The government's action at Ramlila ground shows that though the country gained independence more than 60 years ago, the citizens are still not independent. The government should clarify why an action was initiated when the agitators were protesting peacefully."
The agitation at Parner, too, witnessed a significant response from the residents. Apart from the leaders from Hazare's village, Ralegan Siddhi, the people from nearby areas also participated in the agitation. Slogans were raise in support of Hazare.
Various organisation inclduing India Against Corruption, Bharat Swabhiman Trust, Creative Foundation, Sajag Nagrik Manch conducted solidarity protest and sit-in dharna at Shaniwarwada. About 100 people from all walks of life gathered at Shaniwarwada from 4.30pm onwards. Participants wore black ribbons as a mark of protest against the government's brutality. Pro-Lokpal bill slogans and slogans against high-handedness of the government were raised and patriotic songs were played.
Members of Apla Parisar Trust conducted an agitation in Kothrud. Various organisations in Pimpri Chinchwad, including Nagari Hakka Suraksha Samiti, Pimpri Chinchwad Shahar Bachav Andolan, Republican Party of India - Kawade group, BJP, Shiv Sena, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Bharat Swabhiman Sanstha, Shramik Ekta Mahasangh, Vishwakalyan Kamgar Sanghatna, etc, conducted token hunger strike at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar chowk in Pimpri.
Independent corporator Maruti Bhapkar who participated in the agitation said, "Around 60 organisations from Pimpri Chinchwad township expressed their support. Around 250 people participated in the agitation throughout the day. We condemn the police action at Ramlila ground."