Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered the first concessions Tuesday in his high-stakes stand-off with activist Anna Hazare, urging him to end an anti-graft fast that has triggered huge protests. In a letter to the 74-year-old campaigner whose hunger strike has boxed Singh's government into a tight political corner, the prime minister proposed a series of compromises in their dispute over a new anti-corruption law.
Hazare insists the government bill is toothless, and says he will continue his fast - now in its eighth day - unless parliament adopts and passes his own, more aggressive, version by August 30. Voicing his "deep and abiding concern" for Hazare's health, Singh said he was willing to request that the speaker of parliament refer Hazare's version of the bill to the committee that is reviewing the government's draft. He also said the committee would be asked to fast-track its deliberations. "I do hope that you will consider my suggestions and end your fast to regain full health and vitality," Singh said.
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