21 July,2011 06:52 AM IST | | Yacoob Mohammed
While the debate to include Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Janlokpal Bill remains unresolved at the Centre, over 25,000 students in Karnataka will now protest supporting his inclusion.
The student wing of the civil society in the state had earlier facilitated Anna Hazare's movement against corruption, and the same group has now resolved to take out a huge movement on July 27 and start it off by issuing a referendum within the next two days. The protesters will take a rally through popular commercial locations like MG Road, Koramangala, Malleshwaram, JP Nagar and culminate at the Freedom Park.
Members of the student forum 'Arise India', which organised the previous meet on the corruption issue will lead this movement as well. Tejasvi Surya said, "Our initiative is to think beyond bribery when it comes to corruption. We will be urging people to rise above greed and we want all available public support."
Surya added, "We will ensure that it is a peaceful protest and approval from the police department will be sought." Additional Commissioner of Police for law and order T Suneel Kumar claimed to have no idea about this protest. "We have not been approached for any permission yet, but if they fulfill the criteria we will grant sanctions," he said.
The State's anti-corruption body Lokayukta is backing the students and though not confirming whether he will present for the protest, Santosh Hegde said, "I will provide moral support since my time schedule is very tight."