Even as hundreds of people gathered at Jantar Mantar, in a show of renewed solidarity against sexual violence, Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dixit also attempted to join the protesters to mourn the demise of the 23-year-old gang-rape victim. However, Dixit had to beat a hasty retreat as her presence was not appreciated by the visibly angry crowd. A number of questions have been leveled at the administration, including Dixit's Delhi Government, the Centre as well as the Delhi Police.
One protester asked, "Why did she come now? All these leaders have been hiding for the last 13 days, so why are they trying to buy political brownie points by coming now?"
Dixit had also asked Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to open India Gate for protesters.
As the word of the death of the Delhi-rape victim spread, the Government converted the heart of Delhi – India Gate area into a fortress – making it inaccessible to those who silently wanted to register their protest. In fact, suffering were the protectors – policemen – who had to resort to hitch hiking with passengers to reach their destinations.
Undeterred the citizens continued to protest, but with dignity in ‘Silence’. Seeking answers to so many questions unanswered.
The answers are being sought not only for the gang-rape victim who breathed her last in Singapore, but also of the 18-year-old rape victim in Punjab who was pushed to commit suicide because of humiliation.
As the polity and the intellectual of the society went on to condemn the incident, seek speedy justice, those on streets want social change.
Brinda Karat said: “there has to be some accountability. Without accountability these incidents will continue.”
The determination and willpower that the 23-year-old Delhi girl showed to live for 13 harrowing days should translate into a similar determination and willpower by the country to formulate and implement laws to curb crime against women.
Some tweets:
Amitabh Bachchan@SrBachchan - 'Amanat', 'Damini' just a name now .. her body has passed away, but her soul shall shall forever stir our hearts !!!
Vir Das@thevirdas Be angry today, protest, grieve, pray. But tomorrow, don't just demand punishment and for heads to roll. Demand real, tangible, legal change
Kiran Bedi@thekiranbedi Nation needs to move away from cowardice to courage=Nirbhay Remember this day as Nirbhay day!Fearless to invoke justice systems collectively
Pritish Nandy@PritishNandy India finally wakes up to its destiny. A single tragedy gives us the courage to reclaim our nation...
The Prime Minister says : "I am deeply saddened to learn that the unfortunate victim of the brutal assault that took place on December 16 in New Delhi has succumbed to the grievous injuries she suffered following that attack. I join the nation in conveying to her family and friends my deepest condolences at this terrible loss.
I want to tell them and the nation that while she may have lost her battle for life, it is up to us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain. We have already seen the emotions and energies this incident has generated. These are perfectly understandable reactions from a young India and an India that genuinely desires change. It would be a true homage to her memory if we are able to channelise these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action. "
The need of the hour is a dispassionate debate and inquiry into the critical changes that are required in societal attitudes. The Government is examining, on priority basis, the penal provisions that exist for such crimes and measures to enhance the safety and security of women. I hope that the entire political class and civil society will set aside narrow sectional interests and agenda to help us all reach the end that we all desire – making India a demonstrably better and safer place for women to live in.
President's Message:
I am deeply distressed by the unfortunate demise of the 23-year-old girl who passed away early this morning in Singapore.
She was a brave and courageous girl who fought till the very last minute for her dignity and her life. She is a true hero and symbolises the best in Indian youth and women.
I convey my condolences to her parents and family who have faced this adversity with fortitude and grace. I pray that they have the strength to bear this loss The nation will mourn the passing of this brave daughter of India.
At the same time, let us resolve that this death will not be in vain. We will do everything possible to ensure that such an incident never happens again.
I request everyone to maintain peace and calm and call upon the authorities to take all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators of this ghastly crime to justice
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said that today we pledge that she will get justice and that her life has not been lost in vain. "Today all Indians grieve as though they have lost their own beloved daughter or sister," she said. She assured the protestors who are expressing their anguish publicly that "your voice has been heard". She said that as a woman and mother she understood how they feel. "I appeal to you to remain calm and help strengthen the laws to ensure the safety of women."