Delhi women's insecurity, matter of shame: Dikshit

"It's a shameful matter that women do not feel secure in the capital of the country," said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in the presence of city's top cop, who blamed the indifferent attitude of Delhiites towards crime against the fair sex. Speaking at a function to celebrate International Women's Day, the chief minister almost snubbed Police Commissioner B K Gupta when she rejected his claim of improvement in law and order situation, saying the women in the city were living in an 'atmosphere of insecurity.'

"We invited you here to convey our great concern over the feeling of insecurity among the women in the city. Leaving aside the statistics, I want to ask you -- do we feel safe in the city? If women in the capital do not feel safe and secure, is it not a matter of shame?" Dikshit said. Earlier, in his address Gupta, citing statistics, had blamed lack of sensitivity among people in the increase in number of cases of violence against women.

"People react strongly when they see crime against women in a city like Kolkata. People in Delhi are very passive. The incidents will come down if people react strongly against them," said Gupta. Rebutting Gupta's argument, Dikshit retorted, "It is a matter of shame for each one of us that the capital city of India is considered the most unsafe for women. This is not acceptable."

"Of course women are safe in Kolkata. There are two reasons for it. You must remember that police in Kolkata as well as the civil society are sensitive," she said. Giving an account of steps taken by police, Gupta said all the new police control room vehicles will have a lady police officer, while a women's desk has been set up in police stations across the city.

"Do not be a silent sufferer of these incidents. The police will extend their cooperation in ensuring your safety," Gupta told the gathering, which included representatives from various leading NGOs, government officials and Resident Welfare Associations. Gupta added that organisations have been instructed to strictly follow the norms prescribed for dropping of women employees who work in offices at night. "We have already filed FIRs against 15 violations," Gupta said that he has written a letter to the chief justice of the Delhi High Court to set up fast track courts to take up rape cases so that the victims do not have to wait to get justice.

Dikshit said the city government will provide the required support to the police to make the city safe and secure for women. "If police becomes sensitive and cases are solved promptly, then having a safe society will not be just a dream."

Gupta said police have increased its vigil in areas where women are more prone to face harassment. "We have increased our presence in areas where students from north-eastern states reside," he said. The function was organised by Delhi's social welfare department.