By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As a mark of solidarity with veteran social activist and Gandhian leader Anna Hazare on his “fast unto death” for the Jan Lok Pal at New Delhi with the aim to combat corruption, a signature campaign and a public rally was held in the city on Friday.
Hundred of citizens including students, teachers, lecturers and lawyers came forward to participate in the signature campaign organised by the Art of Living Organisation at Khyndai Lad on Friday.
A lecturer of St Peter’s College Chandana Dkhar felt that this signature campaign is a right step to show the State’s support for Hazare who is putting his life at stake in the struggle to have a stronger anti-corruption law.
“Personally, I feel that everyone should take part in this fight against corruption which is hurting the whole system in the country. This is the fight for the better of our future generation,” Dkhar said while adding that it is now or never.
The lecturer lamented that many talented young people are not getting a job because of corruption. She said what is worse is the public apathy to corruption.
Art of Living member M Chaudhuri pointed out that corruption is prevailing not only at the political level but even in the bureaucratic level.
“Corruption has become a part and parcel of our system,” Ms Chaudhuri said.
Another lecturer Mitalie Paul felt that the anti-corruption crusade of Hazare has come at a very crucial time to prevent the country from further sliding down.
Law Professional SD Gupta feels that the common people are worst affected by the menace of corruption. She said corruption has to be eliminated from the system.
Meanwhile, a short meeting was also held here at NEHU campus wherein students and teachers from different departments of the university participated with great enthusiasm.
Speaking on the sidelines of this rally, Head of the Department of Political Science NEHU, AK Barauh, said as citizens of a free country, one has every right to demand for a strong Lok Pal Bill which is necessary to stop the rampant corruption in the country.
“Anna Hazare reflects liberal sensibilities for all Indian communities and his effort will not be in vain,” said the professor adding that this Bill is required to control the bureaucrats, politicians and others. Meanwhile, talking to reporters here on Friday, a student participating in the rally appreciated the efforts of Anna Hazare saying students also suffer this malpractice of corruption in various institutions and if corruption is wiped out once and for all then it will definitely lead to the development of the country and ensure a better community.
Another student who took the stand said Anna Hazare’s protest has given a momentum to the fight against corruption. “It is time that the citizens of Shillong extended their support to this cause,” added the student.
The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya and KSU have resolved to join hands and participate in the public meeting called by the Mait Shaphrang Movement to express support to Anna Hazare.
GCCM secretary John F Kharshiing said Hazare has been demanding passing of the Lok Pal Bill which is in cold storage for the past 42 years.
“The proposed bill is to ensure that corrupt persons are caught, punished, and persecuted in a timely manner, whereas presently no politician, officer, or judge can be persecuted without permission,” he said.
KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling called upon the people to take part in the public meeting.
The MSM earlier decided to hold a public meeting to express its solidarity to the anti-corruption movement here on Saturday.