As father of 3 daughters, I feel strongly: PM on Delhi rape

Issuing a fresh appeal for peace, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the government will look into the delay in responding to the Delhi gangrape case and all other aspects concerning the security of women.

In a televised address, Singh said he and his family join in the concern for the 23-year-old victim, who was gangraped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16.

"As a father of three daughters myself, I feel as strongly about this as each one of you. My wife, my family and I are all joined in our concern for the young woman who was the victim of this heinous crime," he said.

He said the government was constantly monitoring her medical condition.

His statement came as protests, which turned violent on Sunday, continued for the seventh day today.

Emphasising that anger at this crime is 'justified', Dr Singh said, "But violence will serve no purpose."

Singh noted that Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has already spoken about the steps being taken to address issues regarding safety of women in the country.

"We will examine the delay in not only the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety and security of women," he said.

Dr Singh broke his silence on the issue on Sunday night when he issued a similar statement, saying the public anger is "genuine and justified".

Dr Singh had also expressed sadness over the turn of events that led to clashes between the angry protesters and the police and appealed for peace and calm.