Anna Hazare Holds 'Maun Andolan' in Support of Protesting Students, Urges Centre to Choose Dialogue

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare on Thursday staged a two-hour 'maun andolan' (silent protest) in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar, extending his support to students protesting in Delhi and urging the Centre to resolve the issue through dialogue instead of confrontation.

Hazare began his silent protest at 11 am near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Ahilyanagar and concluded it at 1 pm, according to his aide Datta Awari. After completing the demonstration, the veteran activist returned to his native village, Ralegan Siddhi, in the same district.

The silent protest came a day after Hazare wrote a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over reports of violence and police action against protesting students. He described the developments as "extremely painful" and appealed to the government to approach the unrest with sensitivity.

In his letter, Hazare said the students' anger should not be treated merely as a law-and-order issue, but should instead be viewed as a reflection of society's concerns and aspirations. He urged the government to engage with the protesters patiently, foster an atmosphere of trust, and work towards a peaceful resolution through constructive dialogue.

Hazare also made a significant political observation, stating that seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would not destabilise the government. Instead, he argued, such a move could strengthen accountability and improve governance if it helps restore public confidence.

The veteran Gandhian has consistently advocated for peaceful democratic movements and transparent governance. His decision to hold a silent protest adds moral weight to the ongoing student agitation, while reinforcing his call for dialogue, accountability, and a non-violent resolution to the crisis.