Delhi anti-rape protests: PM makes fresh appeal for peace; BJP lashes out at 'inaction'

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.

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 16 night.

"As a father of three daughters myself, I feel as strongly about this as each one of you. My wife, my family and I are all joined in our concern for the young woman who was the victim of this heinous crime."

He said the government was constantly monitoring her medical condition.

His statement came as protests, which turned violent yesterday, continued for the seventh day today.

Emphasising that anger at this crime is "justified", Singh said, "but violence will serve no purpose."

Singh 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.

"We will examine into delay not only the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety and security of women," he said.

Singh broke his silence on the issue last night when he issued a similar statement saying public anger is "genuine" and "justified".

Singh had also expressed sadness over the turn of events that led to clashes between the angry protesters and the police and appealed for peace and calm.

Gang-rape: BJP takes on UPA, says 'PM's message was disappointing'

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday lashed out at Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh over his televised address to the nation following violent protests demanding justice for the 23-year-old gang-rape victim, saying the latter's speech was disappointing.

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