The Assam unit of India Against Corruption (IAC) will start a 12-hour relay hunger strike on August 16 to express solidarity with Anna Hazare's move.
The Assam branch of IAC has appealed to all sections of society to join the hunger strike, which will be held at the NCP ground in Dighalipukhri. Also, like Anna Hazare's decision, the state IAC will observe one hour blackout from 8 pm to 9 pm on August 15, protesting against the Lokpal bill drafted by the government.
"We have decided to launch a hunger strike in support of Anna Hazare's demand for a strong Jan Lokpal law. We believe that the anti-corruption law that the government is trying pass is weak and cannot curb the corruption menace," IAC Assam branch general secretary, Pranjal Bordoloi said here on Saturday.
Seeking inclusion of PMO and judiciary within the ambit of Lokpal bill drafted by the Centre, Bordoloi claimed that the present bill was going to protect corruption officials instead of curbing the menace.
"People across the country are overwhelmingly in support of a strong anti-corruption law. And Anna Hazare has led a campaign demanding a Jan Lokpal that would be strong enough to fight corruption. But government is very antagonistic to Hazare's suggestions undermining the seriousness to prevent corruption," Bordoloi added.
He also alleged that the government's Lokpal bill was a conspiracy to keep away public servants, PMO and judiciary from the ambit of action against corruption.
"If the government is serious about fighting corruption, why is the PMO and judiciary left out from the bill. Also, public servants would also be kept out of its reach. We think a big conspiracy is involved in the drafting of the Lokpal bill by the government," Bordoloi added.
Assam branch IAC vice-president, Chandan Bordoloi said apart from participation of IAC members in the hunger-strike, it would be open to people from all walks of life to participate in the programme.
"Even politicians can take part in the hunger strike. However, no party banner is welcome. We appeal to people from all walks of life to take part in the hunger-strike and make their voice against corruption more stronger," the IAC vice-president said. Read More
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