New Delhi, Oct 16: Leader of opposition and Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asked Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani to review the situation concerning women's safety in Delhi and preparing an action plan, stating that the growing incidents of rape had instilled a feeling of insecurity among the people here. "I would like to suggest that the entire situation concerning the safety of women in Delhi should be immediately reviewed at your level with all concerned for preparing a comprehensive action plan for this specific purpose," Gandhi said in a letter to Advani. In the letter, a copy of which was made available to a news agency, she said effective preventive measures and quick and firm action against the perpetrators was necessary and suggested that the help of NGOs and civil society should be enlisted in a systematic and institutionalised manner.
The involvement of president's body guard, the rape of a foreign diplomat and other similar incidents "show that the overall law and order situation has been allowed to deteriorate to such a level that virtually no one is safe".

Stating that such incidents could not be dealt with in a routine manner, Gandhi said, "I am sure that you and your government will agree that the protection of the rights and dignity of women is one of the prime requisites of civilised society".

"The increasing incidents of crimes against women in Delhi in recent times have shaken the city and instilled a deep sense of insecurity among the capital's citizens", she added.
Bureau Report