NRIs throw their weight behind Anna

The anti-corruption movement goes global, as several Indians residing overseas have come together to support Anna Hazare carrying out similar protests in their countries

The anti-corruption movement led by the 73-year-old feisty Anna Hazare is slowly snowballing into a global protest.

The anger amid the common man has spread across the globe with Indians living abroad coming on board to fight the 'cancer of the country'.


People of all age groups bridge disparities and come together
in support of anti corruption champion Anna Hazare

Several non-residents Indians (NRIs) have come together and are protesting the arrest of Hazare in their respective countries.

Indu Koul, a NRI from Melbourne told MiD DAY via e-mail that she was seeking police permission to carry out a peace rally in support of Hazare and the Jan Lokpal Bill.

"I do not know the exact laws of India but one thing is clear that corruption is eating into India and this has fired global angst among people.
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In order to support Anna, we have organised a candlelight peace rally in front of the General Consulate of India for 30 minutes."

And while Koul is doing her bit to support the cause, some Indians in London gathered in front of the Indian High Commission yesterday and raised slogans against the Congress government for arresting Hazare.
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Young men and women professionals belonging to the IT, medical and banking sectors expressed their anger against the government's decision, since Anna was arrested even before his fast began.
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Another Indian from London is planning to fly down to India to encourage Anna. "Since, the time I have come to London all I can think of is why India has such corrupt politicians.

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A woman displays her resentment against the
government in support of the Lokpal Bill

I want to be the part of the entire protest. We have been spreading Hazare's message through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter."

No lathi charge on Hazare's men
After receiving severe criticism over the Maval incident where three farmers succumbed to police firing, the state government is being doubly cautious about the handling of agitators.

A source told MiD DAY that the State's Home Department has directed police officials not to use any force on followers of Anna Hazare.

Home Minister R R Patil, when asked, said the police have been told to handle the agitations with utmost restraint.

Facebook support
A group in UK has come up with a Facebook Page called Anna Hazare Sathyagraha -UK NRI Support. The page is dedicated to Anna Hazare citizens' movement against Corruption and already has more than 100 members.


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' Orissa: Supporters protest Anna's detention
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' Rajya Sabha adjourned over Anna arrest
' Thousands gather at Chhatrasal Stadium anticipating Anna's release
' 'Gandhiji's method of fasting was different'
' What sort of revolution?
' Anna's men will ask you to bunk work today
' Detention is beginning of India's second freedom struggle: Hazare