'Protesters' anger valid, Delhi cops must show restraint'

Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary party chief L K Advani on Saturday called up Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to express his concern over the severe police action on students and young protesters who were marching towards Rashtrapati Bhawan to demand justice for the Delhi gangrape victim.

"I heard reports that police had taken severe action against the protesters. I called up the Home Minister and told him that we should appreciate the concern of the protesters and their anger is justified," Advani told PTI.

The BJP leader suggested to Shinde that instead of using force on the young protesters, he should ask the senior police and administration officials to reason with them.

"I asked Shinde to tell the Police Commissioner and other senior officials to talk to the protesters and ask them to disperse instead of using force on them," Advani said.

Asked about Shinde's response to this, Advani said the Home Minister agreed with him and promised to take up the issue with the Delhi police.

Advani maintained that the opposition does not want to blow up issue and his intention is to calm the situation.

"I am interested in seeing that the people feel that the right action, which should be taken in such a situation, is being taken by the authorities," Advani said.

Police had used teargas and water canons on students and young protesters, including girls, who were marching from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A boy and a girl and a traffic policeman were injured as the police directed water jets and opened a volley of teargas shells at the protesters.