Several state governments, hotels, clubs and business houses have either cancelled or toned down New Year's eve celebrations as a mark of respect to the 23-year old Delhi rape victim. Punjab and Haryana governments have cancelled their planned programmes to usher in the New Year.
Officials said, Haryana government has cancelled its lunch today. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has decided to stay away from new year celebrations. In a statement issued on Sunday, he appealed the people to welcome new year with simplicity.
Press Club of India has cancelled its New Year's eve celebrations in New Delhi and Chandigarh. Several business houses in Chandigarh have also decided to cancel or tone down events.
Following the death of the Delhi gang-rape victim, bookings in five-star hotels in Delhi and Mumbai are reportedly down by at least 15-20 per cent.
Meanwhile, protests and candle light vigil continued in several parts of the country including the national capital on Sunday. In Delhi, protestors gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding stern and swift punishment to the culprits of the heinous crime.
In Mumbai, people from all walks of life joined condolence meetings and peace marches. Protests were also held in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Dehradun.
Indian Diaspora in the US, Britain and Australia held candle light vigils for the victim, demanding stern punishment for the culprits and fast track courts to deal with sexual assault cases.
Braving chilly weather, Indian-Americans gathered at the Gandhi Statue in Washington and held a candle light vigil for the girl.
In Melbourne, a large group of Indian men and women gathered in front of the Indian Consulate and lit candles to express their outrage over the incident.
A memorial service was also held in Sydney. In London, NRIs, including teachers and housewives, gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Tavistock Square and raised slogans. They held placards demanding an end to assault and rape cases in India.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon voiced deep sorrow at the death of Delhi gang-rape victim. In a statement, Mr. Ban asked Indian government to implement reforms to deter such crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. He welcomed efforts of the Indian government to take urgent action in the case.
The body of old victim was cremated in New Delhi early on Sunday after it was brought back from Singapore where she breathed her last.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress Chief Mrs. Sonia Gandhi were present at airport to receive the body.
Delhi police have slapped murder charges against the six arrested accused in the rape case. The Charge sheet against them will be filed on 3rd January.
Meanwhile, the BJP has reiterated its demand for convening a special session of Parliament to adopt strict laws on crime against women.
Talking to reporters in New Delhi yesterday, Chief Spokesperson of the party Ravishankar Prasad said BJP will cooperate with the government in all suitable legislative measures to strengthen laws relating to crime against women.
