TNI Bureau: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the nation on the Delhi gangrape case two days after massive anti-rape protests rocked the national capital. He justified people’s anger, but appealed for calm and peace, saying violence will not help to bring strong laws against rapists.
He said that his family was also concerned about the victim, but violence is not the solution. He appealed the protesters not to follow the path of violence, but to maintain peace.
“As a father of three daughters, I can feel your pain. Will make all possible efforts to ensure safety and security of women and we will keep you informed about the steps the government is taking against it. We will examine all aspects of safety and security of women and We will examine without delay, not only the delay in response but also the security aspect of the women”, he said on Monday.
Dr Singh said that the government is monitoring the condition of victim, who is still critical and fighting for life.
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The PM’s speech came after senior cops were injured in the clashes with the protesters at Rajpath and India Gate on Sunday. More than hundred people have been injured in the clashes that continued for two days during weekends.
The police have closed major metro stations linked to India Gate and Rajpath to prevent people’s gathering and protests. The massive protests turned violent on Saturday and Sunday when police resorted to lathicharge, used water cannons and fired tear gas shells on people when the mercury is low in Delhi.
On Sunday evening, it was seen women protesters were the target of police as they resorted to lathicharge on them. The women cops were standing behind the male cops, the protesters alleged. Even some media people were also attacked by police, their cameras were damaged. It is also reported that foreign media reporters were also attacked while covering the story.
It can be said that police were trying to damage the footage of the protests and attacks on the protesters so that those will not be used as evidence if the court asks for.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar denied to resign over the brutal gangrape of a 23-year-old paramedical student and the crackdown on the protesters at India Gate, who were demanding justice for her and stringent punishment for the culprits. However, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit opposed the police crackdown on the students, who were protesting against gangrape. She said that the highest police officer of Delhi should take responsibility for the heinous crime.