19 at Mumbai's Azad Maidan refuse to end fast

As social activist Anna Hazare’s fast in New Delhi entered the 10th day, his supporters in Mumbai fasting in solidarity are growing weaker by the day, India Against Corruption (IAC) said.

As social activist Anna Hazare's fast in New Delhi entered the 10th day, his supporters in Mumbai fasting in solidarity are growing weaker by the day, India Against Corruption (IAC) said.

HT Image

"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.