Won't break hunger fast until demands met, says Maliwal on fifth day

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding a stringent law against rapists, continued it for the fifth day on Tuesday, saying she will not end it unless Prime Minister Narendra Modi responds to her concerns.

In a letter to Modi on Thursday, the DCW chief said: "I will not break my anshan (fast) until the Prime Minister promises the country a better system for the safety of our daughters."

As a mark of protest against the recent rape incidents in Kathua and Unnao, Maliwal, 33, launched her hunger strike at Rajghat on Friday last week.

According to DCW members, Maliwal who is having only water, has lost around four kgs within five days of her fast. However, private doctors on Tuesday have said that she can continue with her protest.

"I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will listen to our demands and reply. Country expects a system from PM to stop rapes and I cannot be a mute spectator. This is not a stage of any particular party. People from all parties are welcomed so that together we can ensure safety of our daughters," Maliwal said during the hunger strike.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha MP N.D. Gupta also joined Maliwal's protest. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also had visited her on Sunday.

"I support the demands made by Maliwal; recruitment of 66,000 police personnel in Delhi Police, fast track courts to ensure trial of child rape cases within six months, death penalty to the guilty and better forensic labs are needed," Sisodia said.

--IANS

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