BeyondHeadlines News Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today addressed the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament) on the arrest of Anna Hazare and his team and justified the police crackdown on the anti-corruption crusader.
“It’s my painful duty to report to this house certain events that took place yesterday in New Delhi. After extensive consultations, the government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha, the bill has been referred to the Standing Committee. Anna Hazare wants his bill should be passed in Parliament. The government has introduced the Lokpal Bill in Parliament. Anna and supporters are persisting with the demand for the Jan Lokpal Bill,” said Singh.
The opposition MPs tried to disrupt Singh’s statement even as the prime minister claimed that Hazare had been granted permission by the Delhi Police to go ahead with his protest fast at Jai Prakarh Narayan Park in New Delhi from August 16 subject to certain conditions.
“Delhi Police did give permission to Anna for fast subject to certain conditions. On August 13, 2011 the Delhi police informed the applicants that the permission will be granted at JP Park subjected to conditions. Delhi Police wanted them to sign an undertaking. On August 15 the organisers refused to accept six of the conditions. Delhi Police informed the applicants since they have refused the conditions, permission will not be granted. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed in and around JP Park.” said Singh.
The prime minister said that Hazare made it clear on August 15 that he and his supporters would defy law and proceed on protest.
“Yesterday morning Delhi Police came to conclusion that it was clear that Anna Hazare would still go ahead the fast and he was taken into the custody. Anna was arrested as a preventive measure,” Singh added even as Opposition MPs tried to shout out him.
