By IANS,
Mumbai : A march to the Gateway of India by supporters of social activist Anna Hazare, who is on an indefinite fast for a stronger anti-corruption Lokpal bill, was stopped by police here Thursday
As Hazare’s fast in New Delhi entered its third day, 3,000 people gathered at Azad Maidan to march to the Gateway of India, where they intended to distribute pamphlets and sensitise people on the Jan Lokpal Bill.
“These people have not got permission to march to Gateway of India and hence we cannot allow them to move out of Azad Maidan, where they have set up a camp to protest,” said the police official in charge at the spot.
Activists of the India Against Corruption (IAC), however, were determined to continue the protest. “Nobody can stop us now. If they don’t allow us to march to Gateway of India in full strength, we shall march there in smaller groups,” said Nag Srinivas, a volunteer.
Activists of IAC were also joined by NGOs like Maharashtra Telugu Manch, India Development Forum, Jagruk Nagrik Manch, Loksatta, Bombay Catholic Sabha, Art of Living, Bharat Swabhimaan Nivas and Medha Patkar’s Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan.
People were spotted with caps and placards that said “Hum sab Anna” (we are all Anna) as they geared up to march to the Gateway of India.
Nearly 100 people, including over 40 students, had joined the relay fast Thursday morning across in support of Hazare’s anti-corruption campaign.
In Hazare’s village Ralegan Siddhi, around 500 school children participated in a rally against corruption. Several supporters in the village are also on a relay fast. The village also observed a day long shutdown to support the cause.
In Vidarbha, around 300 farmers and farmers’ widows organised a candle-light vigil to support Hazare’s cause of clean administration and his fight against corruption.
“If Annaji, at 72, can fast indefinitely, the least we can do is support him. We shall register our support through a candle-light march in villages of Vidarbha,” said Kishor Tiwari, a social activist.