Anger spills onto streets, clogs central Delhi roads

Students lash out at Delhi govt for attacking peaceful demonstrators, three mayors too take part in protest.

A group of students from the Jawarharlal Nehru University on Wednesday, who staged a protest outside the residence of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, were greeted with water cannons.

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Carrying placards, students demanded equal rights for women. The protesters were members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and the All India Democratic Womens' Association (AIDWA).

Condemning the attack on peaceful protesters as “shameful act”, the students mocked the government for not taking action against perpetrators of the crime instead who disrupt the law and order situation in the city.

"The chief minister says rape is not a political issue. But, by saying this, she is belittling a crime that is as much a political issue as a social one. Women can't move freely in the city. The authorities are responsible for such a state," said a protester.

Students of the Delhi University and the Jamia Millia Islamia also took to the streets and staged protests at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Jantar Mantar, India Gate and the Police Headquarters at ITO.

Also seen were the three mayors of Delhi who demanded swift justice for the victim.

"Why have the culprits' faces been hidden? The government must print posters and place them in every street so that they are socially ostracised," said East Delhi mayor, Annapurna Mishra.

"I cannot even walk a few hundred metres from my home without facing lewd comments and harassment. Why must I live like this? Men should be scared, not I. Why can't the police ensure our safety" asked Chanchal Sharma.