Anna Hazare Ends Hunger Strike

After India's government expresses support for parts of his anti-graft plan
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 27, 2011 12:58 PM CDT
Anna Hazare Ends Hunger Strike
Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare rubs his eyes on the 12th day of his hunger strike in New Delhi on August 27, 2011.debated anti-graft proposals in a bid to end a 74-year-old activist's fast against corruption. AFP PHOTO/RAVEENDRAN   (Getty Images)

Indian activist Anna Hazare agreed to end his 11-day hunger strike tomorrow morning, after the government announced it was in favor of some of his demands. The AP reports that after a nine-hour debate, Parliament today expressed nonbinding support for the 74-year-old's demands that a proposed anti-graft bill ensure greater transparency in governance and include millions of low-level bureaucrats and state officials under its purview.

Hazare had initially wanted far more when he began his fast on Aug. 16: the creation of a watchdog panel that would have the power to prosecute the prime minister and judiciary and state officials. But the activist, who lost more than 16 pounds during the strike, said Parliament's move was enough to persuade him to begin eating. "It's only a half victory. Total victory is yet to come," he told thousands of cheering supporters. (More India stories.)

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