Prominent Indian activist Anna Hazare (72) began a fast unto death in order to coerce the government to allow civil society to have a say in the adoption of a bill meant to fight against corruption through the creation of an ombudsman. The protests, number in low-thousands, include people from over 400 different cities and towns in India.
Mr. Hazare has stated that if the government does not involve civil society in the drafting process of the ombudsman bill, it will not be democratic, it will be autocratic. Indian President Manmohan Singh said that, while he deeply respects the prominent activist and his cause, he was deeply disappointed by Mr. Hazare’s decision to go through with the planned hunger strike.
For a comprehensive article on the the movement being led by Mr. Hazare, please click here.
“
