Delhi gang rape: Protesters demand better security for women

Hundreds of protesters held a sit-in demonstration on Thursday to demand better safety and security for women in the country, even as the Delhi gang-rape victim battles for life in a Singapore hospital. The protesters, comprising of women activists, men and students, who started their march from Nizamuddin in south Delhi, were headed towards India Gate but were stopped on the way at Zakir Hussain Marg by a police team.

Under the banner of 'Justice for Women Now' forum, the protesters then staged a sit-in, raising slogans such as 'Ignore my lipstick and listen to what I'm telling you', 'Justice for all rape survivors', 'Hanging is not a solution to woman assault' and 'Remove Delhi Police commissioner'. Apart from demanding justice for the rape victim, the angry crowd also asked that justice be given to all rape victims within 100 days. They also demanded that the government should call a special session of parliament to discuss stringent rape laws.

Condemning sexual violence and opposing death penalty for rapists, Kiran Shaheen, an activist, told IANS that they were opposing hanging because it would go against women. 'With this protest, I want to raise the issue not only to provide justice to the 23-year-old but also to provide greater dignity, equality and rights to the women who are raped in the society,' said Shaheen.

Another protester, Bhasha, said they had given the government a time period of 100 days to give justice to around 1,00,000 rape victims in all over India. 'Till the 100 days, we will watch whether the government takes any action against the rapists. After that, we will take our next step,' she said. 'We also condemn BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's statement that a rape survivor is a 'zinda laash'. A rape survivor is a brave fighter and it is society that tolerates and makes excuses for rape that should be ashamed,' said another protester, who did not want to be named.

A police officer told IANS that though the protest was peaceful, a police team was there to prevent any untoward activity. The national capital has been witnessing anti-rape protests at India Gate after the 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist was tortured and raped in a moving bus Dec 16. The woman was flown to Singapore Wednesday night after her condition deteriorated. All the six accused in the brutal rape have been arrested.

Source: IANS