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Protest reaches PM’s house
Fingers crossed for Anna
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Rowdy elements, a blot on the movement
‘Sheila should implement Lokayukta’s proposal’
Ignoring doctor, Anna holds stage
Shouting slogans takes a toll on protestors’ health
LNJP Hospital gears up to receive Hazare
Team Anna gets notice for using mikes after 10
Draw up plan for free
treatment of poor: SC
Plots, flats for farmers, jhuggi dwellers
Woman kills mom-in-law
Three die in building collapse
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Protest reaches PM’s house
New Delhi, August 25 Platoons of Delhi police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) thronged the area outside the PM's residence. However, a group of five women, who conducted a dharna right outside the gates of the residence, could not be detained by the police who got into a tizzy as female constables were not present at that moment. "We and other Hazare's supporters purposefully arrived in small groups to gherao the PM's residence, because we wanted to court arrest," said Aditi Bhardwaj, one of the volunteers who was with the group of five women. They shouted slogans such as: "Jan Lokpal Bill pass karo", "Inqalab Zindabad" and "Anna tum sangharsh karo hum tumhare saath hain". "The Prime Minister will have to listen to us. We are peacefully protesting and we are no terrorists, why is the police then barricading the roads," said Alpana, a Hazare supporter who was also part of the group. The first time they conducted a dharna outside the PM's residence, they could not be detained, but were surrounded by male policemen and made to exit the area. A short while later, the same group with reinforcements of Hazare's supporters arrived outside the PM's residence. This time female constables were present to take the women supporters away. "Manmohan tum ne jawab diya hai, hum bhi accha jawab denge. You will lock us up for two to three days, but one day you will have to release us and then the Jan Lokpal Bill will be passed," said Bhardwaj, while being taken away in a police van. A senior police official said that the protesters would be detained for one to two hours and then released. "If they come back again to protest, we will then be given orders as to what action is to be taken against them," he said. After the group of women conducted a dharna outside the PM's residence, there were two more groups of men who demonstrated there and were later detained by the police. Police reinforcements arrived at the PM's residence and at the barricade outside the Race Course Metro station. Hundreds of Hazare's supporters assembled at the Metro station this evening, but were stopped by the police from protesting at the PM's residence. Several supporters wanted to be arrested. "Arrest me as I have come here to show my solidarity with Anna Hazare," said a supporter at the Race Course Metro station. However, one of the policemen, who was preventing the man from crossing the barricade, told him that there is no space to detain more people. The police had shut down the Race Course Metro station from 3 pm today. The Boat Club Metro station and the Khan Market Metro station were also closed by the
police. |
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Fingers crossed for Anna
New Delhi, August 25 Most supporters were eagerly waiting for a breakthrough and said that they cannot wait till tomorrow to celebrate the victory of this revolutionary movement. "If the national Capital can party all night after India won the World Cup, imagine the celebrations that would peak after Anna's victory. I am sure the entire crowd here will erupt with joy and excitement if our demands are met," said Krishna Bharti, mother of two and also a social activist at the Maidan today. Sonu Abhinandan, an IIM graduate at the Maidan, said, "If a written assurance from the government is given today, there will be celebrations all over the city tonight and for days to come. People are now just waiting for Anna's fast to end and everything to settle peacefully with the government." Supporters at the Maidan also said that they realized that even if the dialogue between both the parties failed, Anna's fast would end as he would be taken to the hospital. In that case, they said the movement would continue with the "Jail Bharo Andolan" that Anna had asked for. Since the news of negative feedback from the government and the possibility of taking Anna forcibly to the hospital surfaced last night, supporters at the Maidan were disappointed. The tense mood continued with Anna's fast entering the 10th day today and supporters awaited further dialogue with the government, while Team Anna held a core committee meeting. As the day progressed, the government offered direct talks with Anna. Realizing that the deadlock between the government and Anna may end soon, many at Ramlila Maidan said that they are longing to see Anna smile again. "If Anna succeeds, I would trade anything in my life to see the victory smile on his face. He is ready to fast for many more days. If the government relents and gives him an assurance, the fast may come to a peaceful end. So will the movement along with it," said Keshav Kapoor, a city-based DJ supporting Anna at the Maidan today. Parthiv Sahai, a businessman from Nagpur who has been at the Maidan since Anna's fast began, said, "He is firm like a rock. Doctors have advised him to rest, but he cannot rest without speaking to his supporters. Neither has he moved from the Maidan nor will we, until Anna succeeds." However, there were some in the crowd who said that the issue had been dragged too long by both the sides, and the only one suffering was Anna. Tarun Gupta, a Delhi University student, said, "No one else in Anna's team is on fast. He is the only one losing health. He has lost close to 7 kgs in 10 days. The issue has been dragged by the government as well. The only one, who is suffering as the so-called talks go on is Anna. It's high time the deadlock ends." "We are relieved to notice today that the Prime Minister has decided on a direct dialogue with Anna. I am hopeful that the fast would end by tomorrow. I cannot wait enough for that moment," he added. |
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40 bravehearts also on fast to keep Anna company
New Delhi, August 25 In contrast, in a quiet corner of Ramlila Maidan, 40 brave souls are struggling it out on the tenth day of their fast, as all of them have kept a fast from the first day of Anne Hazare's historic agitation against corruption. All the 40 people kept the fast to keep Anne company and also to give expression to their own sacrifice. Ram Babu, a 55-year-old farmer from a village in eastern Uttar Pradesh, said, "Today is the tenth day of my fast. I began my fast on the same day with Annaji. I have been supporting him right from the Tihar Jail episode. I kept the fast as I had a strong urge to do something about corruption. Corruption is a disease in our society and I am glad that people are finally stepping out against it. I have personally borne the brunt of it time and again. It is high time when all the Indians unite to deal a strong blow to our corrupt political system." Gopal Kumar, a 30-year-old farmer from a village in Uttar Pradesh who is also sitting on fast, said, "I came here to keep Annaji company in this historic satyagraha. Today is the tenth day of my fast. I am completely against corruption and strongly feel that it has to be done away with from the Indian society. I have been watching developments closely and am very happy with the massive response that Anna's fast has got from the public. For the first time, the Indian public and the youth have come out in thousands to support Annaji's satyagraha. His fast has pushed the government into a corner and now they will have to pay heed to the will of the people. They will have to bow their heads to the will of the people one way or the other." Dinesh Singh, a student from Bihar who is also on fast, said, "I have been sitting on fast since the day Annaji launched his agitation and today is my tenth day. The response from the public has been great. The youth of this country have woken up and we will not rest till corruption is rooted out of our society. Annaji has declared a second kranti and the youth will not rest till our political system is cleansed." |
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Rowdy elements, a blot on the movement
New Delhi, August 25 These kids have been bunking classes and causing a nuisance all around. From teasing girls at the Maidan, messing around with the volunteers to annoying the vendors outside, these young boys indulge in unimaginable pranks. When asked how come they were present at the Maidan during school hours in their uniforms, one of them said, "We are here to support Anna." "Anna tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hain," shouted another friend of his. "These boys have picked up slogans and crammed a few lines about the Lokpal Bill to appear serious. In case, media channels approach them, they are more than happy to speak on camera. But during the rest of the day, they are busy playing in the dirt at the back of the Maidan," said Gunjan Kapur, a Delhi University student. Shalu Mittal, another supporter, added, "Whenever some speaker, including Anna, goes up on the podium, they shout and scream unnecessarily. We know they are not serious about the cause which hurts us most. These boys have been encouraging other rowdy men as well. They are here for the free food and media limelight." Towards the night, the volunteers of India Against Corruption receive a number of complaints that young men enter the Maidan drunk. As the crowd thins out at that time, women who stay overnight at the Maidan say they face problems while approaching the restroom facilities. "Small groups of men keep sitting drunk towards one end of the Maidan. They pass comments and stare. We complain to the organizers, and then they disperse for some time, but the Maidan is so huge that they sneak in from the other gate," said Prabha Kumari, a supporter from Ahmedabad who has come with her family at the Maidan. Some of the young college students from NCR region, including Faridabad and Ghaziabad, have also been dropping in at the Maidan recently and creating quite a ruckus. "They keep shouting even when it isn't needed. It is practically impossible to hear what is being announced at the podium. When we complain to the police, they just avoid confrontation," said Abhishek Tiwari, an MBA student from the city. |
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Traders shut shops to show support
New Delhi, August 25 The 'Delhi trade bandh' called by the Confederation of All-India Traders (CAIT) brought business activities in Delhi to almost a standstill. Most of the markets in Delhi wore a deserted look and no trading, purchasing or selling, took place. All wholesale and retail markets of Chandni Chowk and allied areas remained completely closed, said Suresh Bindal, president, the Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association. "We did not persuade any market association or shopkeeper to join the bandh. We had just given a call. But it was exciting to see that all the markets supported the cause for which the whole nation is fighting," said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, CAIT. The closed markets, meanwhile, took many by surprise. Most of them had to return home disappointed. "We had come to shop for wedding, but it seems we have wasted our day as most of the shops are closed," said Anuradha in Chandni Chowk. "Shops in Connaught Place, Janpath, Punchkuian Road, Palika Bazar and other neighboring areas of New Delhi kept their shutters closed. Shopkeepers at Fatehpuri and Shradhanand Marg observed a complete bandh," said Atul Bhargava, president, New Delhi Traders Association. Other markets that remained closed included that of South Extension, Kalkaji, Yusuf Sarai, Tughlaqabad, Anand Mai Mata Market, Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash, Green Park, Mayur Vihar, Krishna Nagar, Bhajanpur and Laxmi Nagar. |
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‘Sheila should implement Lokayukta’s proposal’
New Delhi, August 25 Reacting to the statement of Dikshit that the chief ministers should be brought under the ambit of the Lokpal, Malhotra said that merely by giving such statement she intended to mislead Delhiites. When the Delhi Lokayukta recommended for action against her and her cabinet colleague, she uttered on the floor of the House that the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta should be reviewed. She did not even refrain from giving remarks against the Lokayukta. He said Dikshit always challenged the Lokayukta and talked about restrictions on his jurisdiction. Malhotra said many agencies like the Shunglu Committee constituted by the Prime Minister, CAG, CTE have raised finger against Dikshit. |
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Ignoring doctor, Anna holds stage
New Delhi, August 25 Dr Balram Gupta said, "His vitals are stable and his BP is satisfactory. We are closely monitoring him in every two hours and depending on the latest condition, the next step would be decided." Hats off to this old man whose conviction stands clear and has managed to make way through the Lokjpal logjam and its his strength that has kept him going for all these days together that very few have managed, especially for a larger cause. However, seeing the robust spirits with which Anna carried him at the stage through the day when tension reigned high among the crowd of supporters as well as the core team members, Dr Naresh Trehan's team has advised him adequate rest and to speak less for quick recovery from weakness. In his 10 days of fast, the Gandhian has lost 6.5 kg and his ketone levels are still holding the same in blood, he added. On whether he would be admitted if need be, Dr Gupta said, "He would be taken to Medanta and as of now, there is no need for it. However, it would be entirely his choice." |
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Shouting slogans takes a toll on protestors’ health
New Delhi, August 25 With this the total tally of people who reported at the makeshift centre since August 19 has reached nearly 9000. “On an average, 1500 patients reported daily, excluding those with normal fever, cough and cold. It has been a tough task to be here, but we are with the cause,” said
Krishnaganta, an IAC volunteer on duty. While most of these patients were those who suffered dehydration and body cramps due to excessive heat and humid conditions, there were patients with cardiac arrests and even with choked voices, owing either due to inclement weather or constant sloganeering. “For those who constantly shout slogans perhaps on an empty stomach, the throat becomes dry due to continuous screaming. This is called laryngeal edema and this calls for rest,” said Dr Sanjeev
Chibber, who has been manning the medical unit since August 19 along with his band of volunteers and doctors of Ghaziabad branch of Indian Medical Association. Besides, there were few also reported with minor injuries and sent back after first-aid and required medication, said Dr Ashish
Tiwari, a doctor manning the unit. Even as the influx of patients didn’t see much dip, there were many patients usually in their early fifties and sixties who reported with problems of dehydration, vomiting, etc. “The primary concerns are dehydration and lowered glucose levels. For a lot of people who dance amidst protests, their body works at a faster pace in an effort to cool their system,” added Dr
Chibber. |
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LNJP Hospital gears up to receive Hazare
New Delhi, August 25 "Hospital authorities have been told to be prepared to receive
Hazare. He could be brought here any minute," a senior doctor from the hospital said on condition of anonymity. "The hospital staff has been on its heels for the past 24 hours," the doctor added. Doctors examining the anti-corruption crusader have said his health is slipping, but Hazare has adamantly refused to be taken to hospital or be administered
saline. — IANS |
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Team Anna gets notice for using mikes after 10
New Delhi, August 25 According to a Delhi police official, yesterday, the loudspeakers at the Maidan were used till around midnight, which is a violation of the Supreme Court order that does not permit their use beyond 10 pm. Ban on the use of loudspeakers after 10 pm is one of the conditions of the Delhi police that the organisers had agreed to while taking permission to hold the fast. The loudspeakers were used by Anna
Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal and others. |
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Draw up plan for free
treatment of poor: SC
New Delhi, August 25 The apex court also asked the city government to file an affidavit stating the kind of treatment being provided to poor patients in the 27 private hospitals. Under the scheme, the 27 private hospitals are to provide treatment free of cost to patients from weaker sections at 10 per cent of the hospital bed-strength. The apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik issued the direction when Delhi government's assertion that 27 private hospitals were providing complete treatment to poor patients was contested by Dharamshila Cancer Hospital. The court also asked the Delhi government to hold another round of meeting with the representatives of 10 hospitals which were not extending their free medical facilities to the patients from weaker sections of the society to formulate a scheme. The court told the Delhi government that a line had to be drawn on the cost that these hospitals will bear on extending free treatment. In some cases, like in the treatment of cancer, the cost of medicine is very high and hospitals may not bear it, the court said. "Some kind of transparency has to be there. Some scheme has to be worked out. Otherwise they will turn away the poor patients. There has to be some workable scheme," said Justice Raveendran. The court was told that the private hospitals were given land at concessional rates with a provision that they would provide treatment free of cost to patients coming from weaker sections that is 10 per cent of their hospital bed-strength. Asking Delhi government not to delay in putting in place the scheme so that the private hospitals may not wriggle out of it, the court asked the city government to appoint a nodal officer who would direct the poor patients to private hospitals for treatment free of cost. The court asked the Delhi government to file its affidavit and give it to the contesting hospital and directed listing of the matter on September 1, 2011.
— IANS |
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Plots, flats for farmers, jhuggi dwellers
Noida, August 25 Initially, 3,472 jhuggi residents of Sector 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10 will get two-room flats at Sector 122. The cost of a flat would be Rs 5.80 lakh. For the jhuggi residents of sectors 11, 16, 17, 18, 31 and 44, the authority has initiated a survey." "The board has also approved a residential scheme for the farmers whose land was acquired between 1976 and 1997. The scheme will have 1,000 plots of 160 square metre each. Around 750 plots will be in Sector 151 and the rest in another sector, depending on the availability of land. The allotment cost will be Rs 17,820 per square metre. The total cost of the plot will be Rs 28.51 lakh," said Kumar. The board also approved of giving 5 per cent developed land to the farmers whose lands were acquired after April 1997. Further, the board revoked the cancellation of 108 LIG and EWS flats at Sector 71. The Authority had cancelled the lease deeds of these flats due to unauthorised constructions. The board also gave its approval for appointing a private agency to regularly inspect the development works for quality. Further, the board also approved a proposal of the Noida Authority to pay hiked land compensations to more than 1,200 framers whose cases are pending in the Supreme Court. The farmers had moved the high court for a hike in compensation and the court had ruled in their favour. However, the high court's decision was challenged in the Supreme Court. But later, the Authority decided against challenging the HC order and instead, paying the hiked compensations to the farmers. For this, the Authority will require Rs 572
crore. |
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Woman kills mom-in-law
New Delhi, August 25 According to the police, accused Sumitra did not get along with his mother-in-law who doubted her fidelity and kept strong control over the earnings of the family. "Sumitra and her mother-in-law had fights over the control on the money. Investigation has also revealed that her mother-in-law had strong inclination that Sumitra was not loyal to her husband which has been proved by subsequent investigation. All these factors led Sumitra to plan the murder of her mother-in-law by the help of her distant relative Azad Singh and his friend Parminder Singh," said a senior police official. All the accused have been arrested. |
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Three die in building collapse
New Delhi, August 25 The incident was reported from Phase I of the Budh Vihar area around 7 am. "Three persons were killed in the incident. They have been identified as Dhan Singh (65), Vishi Prakash (60) and Ram Kumar (50). Two siblings Krishan (3) and Shivam (10) have been injured and recuperating at SGM Hospital," said a police official. There was some work going on in the building when it collapsed. |
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Sensing that Anna Hazare's fast may come to an end anytime tomorrow as soon as some concrete assurance on the Jan Lokpal issue is given, supporters at the Ramlila Maidan today were in a mood to celebrate. However, they did not want to jump the gun as the talks had failed earlier.
