Nation continues to mourn the death of Delhi rape victim

New Delhi, Dec 30, 2012: A series of peaceful marches and protests held in the capital, including one at Jantar Mantar, to mourn the death of the 23-year-old gangrape victim even as India Gate and Raisina Hill were kept out of bounds for people.

People from different sections of the society and from different corners protested at Jantar Mantar to mourn the passing away of the brave heart.

They are demanding stricter laws against the rapists.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit requested Home Minister SushilKumar Shinde to lift restrictions on holding peaceful demonstration in memory of the victim in and around India Gate.

The students announced that they will hold a night vigil at the same spot on New Year Eve demanding strong laws to punish sexual offenders.

Activists of Left parties staged a peace march from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar led by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat.

She said there was a need for fixing accountability.

"Unless we do this, such incidents will repeat," she said.

Asked about sexist comments by politicians, she said it shows the mindset of people and that "action should be taken against them in Parliament".

At Jantar Mantar, a number of people sat on a silent protest.

However, later there were sloganeering and demands for immediate punishment of the culprits.

The mourners also protested against the security lock down of India Gate and Raisina Hill where violent demonstrations were witnessed last weekend over the rape.

People started gathering at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi at around 10 AM and sat in silence.

5 out of 10 Metro Stations reopen
Five out of the ten metro stations in Central Delhi, that were closed down for an indefinite period in the wake of the death of the gangrape victim, were opened this afternoon.


The stations which opened are Pragati Maidan, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk.

However, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Race Course, Jor Bagh and Khan Market stations will remain closed till further orders.

However, inter-change facility will be available at the Central Secretariat station, DMRC officials said.

The decision to close down the Metro stations was taken by the Delhi Police which is making all out efforts to prevent protesters from reaching India Gate.

They have already cordoned off the entire India Gate area.

Police had last week as well closed down Metro stations to prevent protesters from reaching the protest sites.