Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS): As social activist Anna Hazare's fast in New Delhi entered the 10th day, his supporters here fasting in solidarity are growing weaker by the day, India Against Corruption (IAC) said.
"I had been fasting since Aug 16 alongside Annaji. But by the seventh day, I had lost 12 kg and almost fainted," India Against Corruption (IAC) youth coordinator Naresh Thakur said. "I was later asked to end my fast and I had no option."
As many as 63 people, including seven women, had started their hunger strike along with Hazare Aug 16. Many of them had to be hospitalised. "As of Thursday there are 19 people, including five women, still refusing to break their fast till Annaji does," Thakur said. "They are not in very good condition and have to be attended to by doctors all the time. But they are still adamant."
Thakur said that Hazare had appealed people to break their fast and contribute better to the movement. "Most of them took Annaji's word and broke their fast to contribute to the movement, but these 19 have been adamant," Thakur said.
Hundreds march for Hazare in Shillong:Hundreds of people marched in shillong on Wednesday in support of activist Anna Hazare. Carrying flags and holding placards, school students and social activists marched down the city roads to the Fire Brigade Ground, raising anti-government slogans.
Hazare's supporters were also seen pinning badges on people and distributing pamphlets seeking their support for the ongoing agitation launched by India Against Corruption. "We want the government to root out corruption at all levels," said Mendalin Nongbri, a school student, in her first protest march.
Anna's supporters fasting for 10 days in Orissa: The hunger strike by 15 people in Orissa in support of social activist Anna Hazare's demand for a stronger anti-corruption bill entered the 10th day on Thursday, India Against Corruption (IAC) that is backing Hazare said.
Two activists - Bhabani Parija, 50, and Rajnarayan Jena, 30, have been fasting here, Nishikant Mohapatra, a local coordinator of IAC, told IANS. Eight others are fasting in Kalahandi, four in Bolangir and one in Sambalpur, he said. No major health complications have been reported so far, Mohapatra said.
People from all walks of life like government officials, students, journalists, teachers, businessmen and retired judges continued their support to the anti-graft crusade initiated by Hazare and his team.