Shimla, Aug 16 (IANS): Several activists began an indefinite hunger strike in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi town Tuesday to press for a strong anti-corruption Lokpal bill and express solidarity with civil society leader Anna Hazare, who was detained early morning in the national capital.

"As per the scheduled programme, we have started our fast in support of a strong Lokpal bill. Since police have arrested Anna, we have decided to go as per previous plan. If needed, we will court arrest," RTI (Right to Information Act) activist Lawan Thakur told IANS from Mandi.

He said Anna's arrest was regrettable and condemnable.

Police said more than 100 people had gathered in Mandi's Seri Manch area to support Hazare's crusade.

Additional Director General of Police S.R. Mardi told IANS here: "As long as there is a peaceful protest, we will not disturb them. But we will not allow anyone to disturb law and order."

Gandhian activist Anna was detained Tuesday morning by the police in Delhi as he was about to set out for his fast in support of the Lokpal bill.

Around 250 of his supporters, including activist Arvind Kejriwal and former top cop Kiran Bedi, were also detained.