New Delhi on Lockdown in Face of Rape Protests

The situation continues to be a tense one in New Delhi, where police today closed off roads leading to the India Gate and ceased public transportation in an effort to stamp out the protests that have rocked the city following the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman. India's Prime Minister also joined the plea for calm, making what Reuters calls an "unusual" televised appearance today. "Anger at this crime is justified but violence will serve no purpose," he said. "As a father of three daughters myself, I feel as strongly about this as each one of you."

The Wall Street Journal reports that an emergency law announced yesterday continues today, and outlaws groups of more than four people from gathering in public. Still, it notes that protestors assembled anyway, just north of the India Gate, the city-center area that's home to government offices and has been made inaccessible to citizens. "Police laugh at women and girls who go to them to complain against rape, molestation, and harassment and say 'What is new in this,'" said one protestor today. "We will protest as long as possible." The victim remains on life support.