Issuing a fresh appeal for peace,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said government will look into delay in response in the gangrape case as also all aspects concerning the security of women while asking people to desist from violence.
His statement came as protests, which turned violent on Sunday, continued for the seventh day today.
In a televised address, Singh said he and his family join in the concern for the 23-year-old victim, who was gangraped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16th night.Emphasising that anger at this crime is justified, Dr.Singh said, violence will serve no purpose.
Dr.Singh said the government was constantly monitoring her medical condition. The prime minister noted that Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has already spoken about the steps being taken to address issues regarding safety of women in the country.
He said,the government will examine into delay not only the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety and security of women. Dr.Singh had spoken on the issue last night also when he issued a similar statement saying public anger is genuine and justified.He had expressed sadness over the turn of events that led to clashes between the angry protesters and the police and appealed for peace and calm.
Meanwhile,the national capital today turned into a fortress with heavy deployment of police who blocked roads leading to India Gate and Raisina Hill to ensure that no protests take place there but the arrangements put commuters at severe hardship.Office goers and students were the most affected due to blockade of roads and closure of nine metro stations near India Gate and Raisina Hill.
In view of the incidents in the last two-three days, the venue of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimar Putin has been shifted from Hyderabad House to the Race Course residence of the Prime Minister.
Media persons were also not allowed near India Gate or Raisina Hill and were asked to go to Pragati Maidan.
