Gang-rape, killing of Indian woman sets off debate about need for country to change

Indian men place candles in front of a mannequin during a protest in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. A young woman who died after being gang-raped and beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated privately as millions of grieving, angry residents demanded greater protection for women from sexual violence. The placard reads as, "Protect women who give birth." (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) (The Associated Press)

Indian men lie on a street while on a hunger strike during a protest in New Delhi, India, Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. A young woman who died after being gang-raped and beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated privately as millions of grieving, angry residents demanded greater protection for women from sexual violence. A placard in front reads as, "Against women harassment, 8th day of Hunger Strike." (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) (The Associated Press)

NEW DELHI – The gang-rape and killing of a New Delhi student has set off an impassioned debate about what India needs to do to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Protesters and politicians have called for tougher rape laws, major police reforms and a transformation in the way the nation treats its women.

The country remained in mourning Monday, two days after the 23-year-old physiotherapy student died from internal wounds in a Singapore hospital. Six men have been arrested and charged with murder in the Dec. 16 attack.

Out of respect for the victim, India's army and navy canceled their New Year's celebrations, as did Sonia Gandhi, head of the ruling Congress party. Hotels and clubs across the capital also said they would forego their usual parties.