Students block National Highway

Standing up: Arrested Anna gets support in Kolar, Chikkaballapur

In response to a call by Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishat (ABVP), all pre-university and first grade colleges declared holidays on Wednesday. Students also formed a human chain at the Government Boys’ College Circle as a part of the protest.

ABVP protest

Students from various colleges in the city, led by the ABVP, blocked the National Highway 4 on the outskirts of the city. Urban police station sub-inspector Ambarish tried to stop the students gathered on the overbridge on Bangarpet Road.

A verbal tussle too followed. However, even as the students and the police were arguing, another group of students rushed to the highway and blocked the way for vehicles. The girls who were part of the protesting group sat on the road for some time.

A larger number of police officers arrived at the spot and the students were forced to evacuate.

Organisations

The JP Rationalists’ Association and Anti-Corruption Forum staged a dharna at the New Bus Stand Circle.

Members of the District Lawyers’ Union walked from the premises of the District Court till Gandhivana. BJP activists declared support to Hazare protesting at the New Bus Stand Circle, regardless of the rain on Wednesday afternoon.

CPM members protested at the Gandhivana, shouting slogans against the ‘anti-democratic behaviour of the Central Government’

In Kolar Gold Fields

Activists of the Jayakarnataka organisation protested in Robertsonpet, demanding implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill and release of Anna Hazare.

The social activist and his supporters have been insulted although being pro-democracy. “If the Central Government wishes to bring corruption to an end, it should immediately fulfill the demands of Hazare,” said the protesters.

A memorandum was submitted to the Police Sub-inspector to be handed over to the President Pratibha Patil.

In Malur

Members of the Anna Hazare Vedike, ABVP, Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and BJP staged a rasta roko near the Marikamba Circle.

“The Congress party is trying to impose Emergency again, to declare its dominion,” said the protesters. “Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has only become a puppet in the hands of the corrupt ministers in the government.”

The protesters also warned of an intense struggle if Anna Hazare was not released immediately.