President Pranab Mukherjee lauds courage, tenacity of Delhi gang rape victim

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday praised the courage and tenacity of the Delhi gang-rape victim and asked people to redouble efforts for women's protection. In a message on the eve of Christmas, the President expressed "anguish and distress" over the horrific attack on the 23-year-old girl in the national capital on December 16.

"We mark Christmas at a time when the nation is joined in anguish and distress over the recent horrific attack on a young girl in New Delhi," he said.

The President's response was in sharp contrast to that of the political establishment. Earlier in the day, home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde went to the extent of comparing those protesting against the brutal attack on the young woman to armed Maoists.

There have been wide-spread protests across the city, including in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan over the weekend, with agitated youths demanding swift action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

"I laud the courage and tenacity of this young lady and her family. On this Christmas day, let us join in prayer for the full and speedy recovery of this strong and courageous girl," the President said.

The President, who devoted a significant portion of his customary message to the rape incident which has outraged the nation, asked the countrymen to resolve to "redouble efforts" for the protection of women and their welfare.

"Let us strive to ensure that women feel safe and secure at all times in our country. May the Christmas bells dispel hatred and violence. As the world lights candles for Christmas this year, may the spirit of caring and sharing pervade our beings," Mukherjee said.