‘It’s not victory or defeat for either side’

Home secretary RK Singh on Thursday said permission granted to Anna Hazare and his associates for the protest at Ramlila Maidan could not be labelled victory or defeat for either side.

Home secretary RK Singh on Thursday said permission granted to Anna Hazare and his associates for the protest at Ramlila Maidan could not be labelled victory or defeat for either side.

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Singh made it clear that the permit by Delhi Police was conditional and an outcome of discussions between police and civil society representatives.

“The Delhi Police met team Anna and came to a decision. The permission has been granted till September 2 with certain conditions,” he said. He denied that the government was involved in discussions with team Anna to resolve the stand-off “amicably”.

“If someone is saying that this is a victory or something, this is not the right way to put it. This is not a question of victory or defeat,” he said, and added, “the issue has been resolved through negotiation and complete understanding.”

In its two-page undertaking given to the police, sources said, team Anna had promised to abide by existing rules and regulations and not exceed the capacity of the ground — around 25,000 people.

The Conditions

In the undertaking signed by Anna Hazare and his associates Prashant Bhushan, Kiran Bedi and Shanti Bhushan, it is stated that if any clause were violated, the protesters would be liable to be prosecuted under law.

Three members from team Anna — Neeraj Kumar, Manish Sisodia and Swati — will coordinate with the police for security during the campaign.

A government doctor and a private doctor would examine everyone who goes on a fast thrice daily. The undertaking was given to the deputy commissioner of police, central district, Delhi Police.