Geo World

Indian anti-graft activist ends fast after 13 days

NEW DELHI: Indian anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare ended his 13-day hunger strike on Sunday, a day after parliament agreed to consider his demands over proposed legislation. Hazare took sips of coconut water mixed with honey on a stage in New Delhi in front of tens of thousands of cheering supporters, before delivering a speech broadcast live on national television. "This protest has been a lesson for the world," Hazare told the crowds after his peaceful campaign tapped into massive support among India's urban middle classes and rural poor. "Today corruption is increasing because power is centralised in the government ministries." Arvind Kejriwal, a senior organiser of Hazare's protest, told the rally that the fast had been an expression of the nation's public feelings against corruption. "We are thankful to the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh), he showed remarkable leadership yesterday in the parliament. We are also thankful to all the parliamentarians for listening to the voice of the common man," he said. "The entire country had poured out on the streets, their anger over a corrupt system was boiling over." Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said that Anna would be taken to hospital for 2-3 days after he breaks his fast. "He has not been eating since the past 12 days, he has to be closely checked and monitored," said Balram Gupta, a member of Naresh Trehan's team. He might remain in the hospital for a couple of days due to his deteriorating health condition, he added.