Indian demonstrators argue with police in front the India Gate monument.(Photo: Sajjad Hussain, AFP/Getty Images)
NEW DELHI -- Authorities shut down roads in the heart of India's
capital on Monday to put an end to a week of demonstrations against the
brutal gang-rape of a woman on a moving bus.
Thousands of armed
police and paramilitary troops blocked roads in central New Delhi to
prevent protesters from marching to the presidential palace. A small
group of demonstrators gathered at a venue less than a mile away from
India's parliament to press the government to ensure the security of
women in the city.
The city ground to a halt as commuters found
themselves caught in massive traffic jams after most roads in central
Delhi were barricaded by police.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
appealed for calm and promised that the government would take tough
action to prevent crimes against women. There has been outrage across
India over the Dec. 16 rape that left the young woman in critical
condition in a hospital.
"Anger at this crime is justified, but violence will serve no purpose," Singh told protesters.
He assured them that the government would "make all possible efforts to ensure security and safety of women in this country."
Police have used tear gas and water cannons and hit protesters with
batons during the protests, leading to widespread criticism of
authorities for the use of excessive force.
The demonstrations
have continued despite repeated promises by Home Minister Sushilkumar
Shinde that he will consider protesters' demands that all six suspects
who have been arrested following the attack face the death penalty.
Associated Press