Delhi gang-rape: I feel deeply sad, says PM

With the nationwide outrage and public protests against the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman intensifying, PM Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday made an appeal to the nation for maintaining calm.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: With the nationwide outrage and public protests against the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman intensifying, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday made an appeal to the nation for maintaining calm. In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Dr Singh said, “I am deeply saddened with the turn of events leading to violent clashes between the protestors and the government machinery over the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old student.” Appealing for calm, Prime Minister said, “ I want to assure you that we will take all necessary steps in preventing the recurrence of such monstrous acts in future.” Dr Singh, while assuring full safety to women in his brief address, said, “I assure you that we will make all possible efforts to ensure security and safety to all women in this country.” The Prime Minister said further said that his government is constantly monitoring the situation and the health of the 23-year-old gang-rape victim and it would do all that is required to save her life. He justified the rising public anger over delay in government’s reaction to the incident but said that violent protests are not the right thing to do. “I appeal to all sections of the society to maintain peace and help us in our efforts,” Dr Singh said. According to reports, the Prime Minister will now be meeting the Russian President at his 7, Race Course Residence and not at the Hyderabad House where it was earlier scheduled. The Prime Minister had yesterday assured that "all possible efforts" would be taken to ensure security and safety of women in the country. "I appeal to all concerned citizens to maintain peace and calm," he said, according to a tweet by the Prime Minister`s Office. "I seek the cooperation of all sections of the society to help us in this endeavor and maintain peace. "I assure you that we will make all possible efforts to ensure security and safety to all women in this country," he said, adding, "I feel deeply sad at the turn of events leading to clashes between protesters and police forces." "Let us all pray for her and her loved ones during this critical time." "There is genuine and justified anger and anguish at this ghastly incident. We are constantly monitoring her medical condition." With Agency Inputs