Shimla: 74-year-old on hunger strike seeking proper enforcement of Lokpal, Lokayukta Acts

Shimla: Although noted activist Anna Hazare ended his indefinite fast, a ^74-year-old man here has been on a hunger strike for the past five days seeking proper implementation of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Acts.

Identified as Lakshmi Chand, a retired government employee, the man has been on a fast for five days, demanding the strengthening of the Lokayukta institution. He also claimed that he was inspired by Anna Hazare, and wished to support the latter in his fight to strengthen the Lokpal.

"I have been fasting for the past five days as a means of showing my support to Anna Hazare and the strengthening of the Lokpal. In the past too I have sat on a fast whenever Anna Hazare did so. I would like the society to be more enlightened about this matter. I feel the Prime Minister should come under the Lokpal and chief ministers under Lokayukta Act," he told ANI.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur assured that the state is determined to strengthen the Lokayukta institution, and is open to suggestions for the same.

"We are open to suggestion. If someone is sitting on a fast, he should submit his suggestions in writing and we will do everything possible to strengthen the law," he said.

On a related note, Hazare, who had been on a fast from March 23 at Ramlila Ground in the national capital ended his indefinite fast on Thursday after meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The social activist demanded the appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in states, and ensure better production cost for farm produce.