India against corruption: Anna Hazare's support swell in Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Support to Gandhian Anna Hazare in his crusade against corruption today spread across Punjab, Haryana and their joint capital Chandigarh with people from different walks of life continuing their demonstrations for the third consecutive day.

Besides, activists of various political parties, including BJP, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have also been joining the protesters, party sources said here.

The attendance in teaching institutes, including Panjab University, Maharishi Dayanand University at Rohtak and several colleges and schools was also thin across the two states, faculty sources said.

At most of the roundabouts in Chandigarh, students and supporters were seen waving tri-colours and chanting patriotic songs.

So far the protests at different places in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh had been peaceful, police said.

"There is a need for a strong Jan Lok Pal bill to tame corruption in the country," Shammy Chaudhary, a student of Panjab University, said.

Meanwhile, the chain hunger strike by NGO ' India Against Corruption' at different places in Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana continued, NGO's founder member Davinder Sharma said.

Students of a private S D college in Chandigarh staged a demonstration at a roundabout in the city.

"The UPA government is corrupt and acted undemocratically against those who raised concern against corruption," a student of 12th class, Karanveer Singh, said.

Reports of demonstrations by various organisations, students and others have been received from most parts of Punjab and Haryana.

The Khaps panchayat (caste council) have also started relay fast at Jind in Haryana.