PM tells Shinde to ensure ‘sense of security’, Sushma Swaraj seeks special session of Parliament

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday directed Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to ensure a "sense of security" in the capital, even as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj called for a special session of Parliament.

"I requested the Prime Minister for a special session of Parliament to frame a law to provide for exemplary punishment for crimes against women," Swaraj tweeted. "Prime Minister said he will consider this suggestion."

Shinde, who met the PM today, is learnt to have assured him that he is personally monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, L K Advani also spoke to Shinde to express concern over police action on protesters. "I told him that we should appreciate their concern and their anger is justified," he said.

"The PM ought to have spoken to them (protesters)... BJP condemns the police action outright," said party spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad.

"Agitation is not the solution, the protesters need to cooperate to maintain law and order," said Minister of State, PMO, V Narayanasamy. Asked if a special session of parliament would be held, he replied: "Parliament already debated and discussed this brutal incident. However, if required, I will urge the PM to meet the youth who are protesting".

Stating that the CPI(M) was not opposed to the demand for a special session, party leader Sitaram Yechury added that "without overhauling the delivery of justice system, even strong laws would be meaningless."

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