Cold no deterrent, protesters call for Bharat Bandh today

The winter chill has not deterred those demanding justice for the 23-year-old gangrape victim at Jantar Mantar. The protesters said the stir would in fact gather momentum in the next few days as they have given a 'Bharat Bandh' call on Thursday.

The winter chill has not deterred those demanding justice for the 23-year-old gangrape victim at Jantar Mantar. The protesters said the stir would in fact gather momentum in the next few days as they have given a 'Bharat Bandh' call on Thursday.

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"We will observe January 3 as 'kala diwas' to protest violence against women.

What happened to that woman can happen to anyone. As a nation, we will observe a complete shutdown to demand justice," said Mukesh Varma, a protester.

Protesters also said they didn't need political backing to tide through the bandh. "We do not need any help from political parties to ensure that people observe it. Everyone who supports the cause will observe it," said Brajesh Singh, a resident of Geeta Colony.

Even as fewer people came to Jantar Mantar due to the cold, several students continued to flock the venue and urged other students to keep the movement going.

"When the protests began on December 17, everyone participated fiercely. Now fewer people come each day. At this rate, the movement will lose steam in no time. People, especially students, need to understand the importance of the cause and come here every day," said Aamir Rashid, an engineering student from Jamia Millia Islamia University.

Students of Delhi University's Indraprastha College also staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding swift action against the rapists. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) will organise a nationwide protest on Friday.