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by Amit Chaturvedi
Nishtha
Gautam, 27, is a lecturer at Delhi's Lady Shriram College. She is at the
protests at Jantar Mantar demanding tougher punishment for accused who
gang-raped 23-year-old medical student in a moving bus in Delhi.
(
December 29, 2012, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) I am shocked beyond words at the death of
this girl. But this movement should not die down with her death. The issue is
much beyond that. And as a woman and as a mother, I would ensure that it stays
alive.
I
got the message at night from a friend in Singapore that the girl is no more. I
couldn't sleep after that. I came to Jantar Mantar this morning to take part in
the protests. And I am here since then. I would request the media to keep the
movement alive. Because women's security is integral to our security, so we
should do something about it.
I
would like to keep a track on all the promises that are being made to us by our
leaders - that how much they've fulfilled it? I would try and ensure that a
meeting takes place every month on what is being done, what steps are being
taken. The government will have to do something because it's not just a women's
issue, it's about a larger sense of security.
I
don't believe in death sentence, it would set a bad precedent. I would like the
accused to be sentenced for life. And the government should increase the
conviction rate in such cases. But for the moment, I will try and keep alive
this movement.
