Lucknow, Aug 16 (IANS): People across various age groups and different walks of life held demonstrations in this Uttar Pradesh capital to protest the detention of Gandhian activist Anna Hazare in New Delhi.

People held protests at several places, including Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar, Aliganj and Vikas Nagar.

Shouting anti-graft slogans, people condemned the Delhi Police action against Hazare, who was detained Tuesday morning, hours before his planned fast against a proposed anti-corruption bill.

"It's undemocratic...It's all taking place at the behest of the central government, which is trying to gag every voice being raised against corruption," Meeta Singh, a housewife, who participated in a demonstration in Gomti Nagar, told reporters.

Holding the tricolour aloft, Hazare's supporters also played patriotic songs.

"In a democracy like ours, one has the right to protest in a peaceful manner. By detaining Hazare and others supporting him, the government is depriving the country's citizens of their constitutional rights," P.K. Garg, a retired professor, told reporters in Hazratganj.

Members of India Against Corruption, which has been backing Hazare, will also stage a sit-in at the Jhulelal Park here.

Residents of various localities will also be taking out candle marches in support of Hazare.