Suu Kyi voices support for Indian protest against corruption

Friday, 19 August 2011 12:32 Mizzima News

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has spoken in support of Indian activist Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption in India.

Aung San Suu Kyi came out in support of Anna Hazare's protest against corruption in India, saying everyone should be concerned with eliminating corruption in governments. Photo: Mizzima

Speaking in Rangoon to a reporter from The Times of India, Suu Kyi said everybody should be concerned about corruption, noting it pervades much of society.

The interview was conducted a few days before the arrest of Anna Hazare who has been pursuing a Gandhi-like protest in New Delhi against corruption, including periods of fasting. The 74-year-old social activist was arrested and jailed on August 16, but the authorities have just released him, according to media reports. He has received wide public support in a country plagued by corruption and poverty.

“Why is corruption so universal?” Suu Kyi asked. “There are good traits that are also universal. The fact that somebody like Anna Hazare is working against corruption shows there are people willing to speak out.”

Suu Kyi said that those who fight against corruption have their work cut out, and the struggle will have to go on for generation after generation. “We will never come to a time when corruption is eradicated,” she told The Times of India.

Supporters of Indian social activist Anna Hazare shout slogans outside Tihar Jail, where Hazare is held, in New Delhi on Wedneday. Indian premier Manmohan Singh on Wednesday slammed the "totally misconceived" fast by an anti-graft activist whose arrest has sparked national protests. Photo: AFP

Commenting on the conflict this protest has caused with Indian politicians and the ruling Congress Party, she said there was no need for strife between politicians and civil society because both have the same goals, to work for the betterment of society, to help India be a stronger, healthier, better nation.

Democracy provides an opportunity to solve differences. “It is better than taking a rifle and shooting each other,” she said.

The New York Times reported on Friday that hundreds of supporters had gathered outside a New Delhi jail to await the restarting of the anti-corruption protest.

Hazare was arrested on Tuesday and the activist began his hunger strike in prison.

Anna Hazare left the Tihar jail on Friday afternoon to go to Raj Ghat and then proceed to Ramlila ground in New Delhi, where he will undertake his fast.

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