New Delhi, Dec 29: As an outraged nation empathized with the gang-rape victim, Congress President Sonia Gandhi Saturday said the fight of nation's “beloved daughter” will not go in vain, promising “swift and fitting punishment” to perpetrators as well as stringent laws for women protection.
“Her unbounded courage and her indomitable spirit will never die and will never be forgotten. My heart is heavy with sorrow and anguish for the young woman, who fought so bravely against impossible odds,” she said in her televised tributes.
“As a woman and mother, I understand how you feel. I appeal you to remain calm and help strengthen our collective resolve to fight the menace of violence against women,” Gandhi, who is also UPA Chairperson, said in televised remarks.
“Today all Indians grieve as they have lost their own beloved daughter, their cherished sister, a young woman of 23 whose life full of hope, dream and promise was ahead of her. Our hearts go out to her parents, family. The whole country shares their pain,” she added.
As people hit the streets expressing their outrage over the tragedy, Gandhi said “to all of you who have expressed their anger and anguish publicly, who have poured out in her support, I want to assure you that your voice has been heard.”
Appealing for peace and calm in wake of the tragic incident, Gandhi said, “Today we pledge that she will get justice and that her fight will not go in vain”.
Breaking his silence on the tragedy, Gandhi's son and MP Rahul Gandhi called for introspection over the incident and a resolve to ensure the security and dignity of women.
“My heart goes out to the family of the young girl and millions of young Indians, families who work, hope and pray for a better India. We as a nation must reflect on the events of the days gone by,” Rahul said, offering his deep condolences to the young girl's family.
As citizens, we must resolve to respect the dignity of women and follow the laws of the land, he said.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed for calm and vowed that those guilty of the murderous assault will be severely punished.
“While she may have lost her battle for life, it is up to us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain,” Dr Manmohan Singh said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST