Breaking his silence on the Delhigangrape issue amid continuing protests, Prime MinisterManmohan Singh tonight said the public anger is "genuine" and"justified" but appealed for peace while promising all stepsto ensure safety of women in the country.
He said everybody was concerned for the 23-year-oldvictim who was brutally gangraped in a moving bus on Sundaylast.
Singh also expressed sadness over the turn of events thatled to clashes between the angry protesters and the police andappealed for peace and calm.
"We are all joined in our concern for the young woman whowas the victim of a heinous crime in Delhi. There is genuineand justified anger and anguish at this ghastly incident. Weare constantly monitoring her medical condition. Let us allpray for her and her loved ones during this critical time,"Singh said in a statement late tonight.
He said, "I feel deeply sad at the turn of events leadingto clashes between protesters and police forces. I appeal toall concerned citizens to maintain peace and calm."
His statement came as protests continued for the sixth daytoday and turned violent today.
Assuring safety and security of women across the country,Singh said, "I assure you that we will make all possibleefforts to ensure security and safety to all women in thiscountry. I seek the cooperation of all sections of the societyto help us in this endeavour and maintain peace."