Day 8: Freedom fighters boost morale at Azad Maidan as numbers dwindle

Recalling the days of the Raj,Shroff said,“I was only 17 years old when the call to participate in the Quit India Movement was given by Gandhiji. I left my studies and joined to help India gain independence. I still recall those days,but feel very sad when I see how our country is today.”

Himmat Khetani (84) also addressed the crowd. His wife Indu Khetani (79) said,“My husband was very young when he pledged allegiance for the freedom struggle. During the Quit India Movement,the protesters were arrested by the police and were produced in court. The British magistrate told him to apologise and go as he did not want to sentence a young boy. My husband refused and said ‘I have no need to apologise to someone who is ruling my country without a mandate.’ The judge got furious and sentenced him to prison.”

Meanwhile,of the 60 people on an indefinite hunger strike,40 called it off on Tuesday — the eighth day of the campaign. The remaining 20 are continuing their agitation. Dr Kalpana Kamani said,“Mayank Gandhi (India Against Corruption’s Mumbai coordinator) suggested that we needed more people to help us in this campaign. Most of those who have called off their fast are now helping with logistics and getting more people involved in the movement.”

The condition of those who are fasting is said to be stable. “Some of them are suffering from acidity and headache. We are treating them for that,” said Dr Kamani.

Lawyers of the Esplanade Court were also present at Azad Maidan and raised slogans demanding the Jan Lokpal Bill. Various other rallies were also organised,including one of 80 ambulances from Ghatkopar (East) to Azad Maidan.

However,numbers at Azad Maidan seemed to be reducing. According to police estimates,the number of supporters was less as compared to other days. “About 3,000 people came to Azad Maidan on Tuesday. The number is less as compared to other days of protest,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajnish Seth.