DEMONSTRATIONS were held at various places in New Delhi, including nearthe chief minister’s residence and police headquarters, to protest against the gangrape of a para medical student and the government’s failure to curb the rising number of such crimes against women.
Demanding stern action against the six accused, scores of protesters associated with All India Students’ Association (AISA), All India Democratic Womens’ Association (AIDWA) and other organisations staged protest in front of the residence of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and police headquarters.
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Delhi unit also staged protests at Jantar Mantar.
Protesters criticised the government for its failure to ensure a safe environment for women in the national capital.
“If we are not safe in our national capital, then where can we? Government is just playing the game of passing the buck and shying away from its responsibility. Delhi chief minister is saying law and order is under home ministry and they are saying it’s the responsibility of the state. How long such things will go on?” one of the protesters asked.
At Dikshit’s residence, police had to use water cannon to disperse the protesters.
Earlier, a demonstrations was held in front of the police headquarters against police inaction and shoddy handling of rape cases.
“Police should arrest the rapists promptly. Police patrolling needs to be increased and women should be safe. Law needs to be changed so that next time nobody can dare to do such heinous crime. We will meet the Delhi Police Commissioner and put forward our demand that such acts shouldn’t happen,” Kavita Sharma, a woman activist said.
Delhi BJP, during the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, demanded resignations of Delhi chief minister Shiela Dikshit and home minister Sushilkumar Shinde.
Demanding a strong punishment for the culprits, Mayor of East Delhi Municipal Corporation Annapurna Mishra said they should be hanged within a month.
She was also critical of the government’s approach. Addressing a gathering at the Jantar Mantar, she said: “This is not the first time that such an incident has happened in Delhi. They have said that the case will be held in a fast track court and there will be increased surveillance. Why were these steps not taken before?”
“These culprits should get a strong punishment which can be a lesson for others. They should be hanged within a month,” Mishra demanded.
