Ahead of their proposed protests in Delhi, Anna Hazare and yoga guru Ramdev today launched an attack on the UPA government accusing it of not showing enough resolve in tackling corruption and bringing back blackmoney stashed away abroad.
Hazare and Ramdev said they will support each other in the fight.
Team Anna is launching an indefinite protest from July 25 in Jantar Mantar while Ramdev’s protest starts from August 9 in Ramlila Maidan.
“Ramdev is fighting to bring back blackmoney. We are demanding a strong Lokpal to fight corruption. But the government has no intention to do so. They do not have the will power. Why efforts are not being taken to bring blackmoney stashed abroad? There may be people in government who have hidden blackmoney. This may be the reason. What is preventing them from taking action?” Mr Hazare told reporters.
On his part, Ramdev said people have been waiting for a strong Lokpal and bringing back blackmoney for over a year but the “government has time and again hoodwinked public”.
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Army says Era of Militancy not over yet
YUSUF JAMEEL
SRINAGAR, July 17
The Army on Tuesday said that though “reasonable” peace prevails in Kashmir, the era of militancy is not over as yet. In fact, the militants are “desperate” to create disturbances and the recent series of sneak attacks in southern parts of the Valley killing, at least, three security personnel is being seen by it as an alarming proposition.
“If peace sustains for couple of more years you will see a sea change in the overall situation and Kashmir would liven up as the crown of India again,” said Lt. Gen. Om Prakash, the commander of Srinagar-based 15 (Chinar) Corps. But the recent violent incidents suggest the militants have not conceded defeat as yet and are rather desperately trying to strengthen their cadre base by way of infiltration and local recruitment. The Lashkar-e-Tayyaba in particular wants to present an indigenous face and, therefore, is trying to recruit the local Kashmiri youth, he said.
But the Army commander said he does not want to cause panic among the people. “The Army is on the job to ensure peace and stability,” he said.