【Ongoing Series Archives】

In a bizarre state of affairs,Ongoing Series Archives women travelling in metro trains in India's capital city of New Delhi, can now carry knives for "self-protection".

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has allowed small knives (up to 4 inches), Hindustan Times reported. Even lighters and matchboxes, which were restricted earlier, have been removed from the list of banned items.

"However, we examine the tools and make an entry in a register so that the passenger can be traced if needed,” a CISF official told the publication.

The Delhi metro is regarded as the city's lifeline with more than 3 million passengers riding on the network daily. Public transport in India is hardly safe for its women, as instances of molestation, abuse and assault are on the rise.

CISF's move seems to have come in the wake of what happened in Bangalore just a week ago, when hordes of women were allegedly mass-molested on the streets despite the presence of 1,500 police personnel.

But what if sharp objects in the hand of commoners lead to an increase in untoward incidences?

A CISF official has reportedly said, "We carried a review and found that with these items, passengers’ safety is not in danger.”

Meanwhile, Indians seem to be divided about the development. While some say it's a good move, others have dismissed it as a "stupid" idea.

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And then there are those who are amused, and tensed.

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Attempted murders? We hope not!

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