In a bizarre state of affairs, 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.。

SEE ALSO:Bangalore's 'Night of Shame': Mass molestation in India's Silicon Valley on New Year's Eve。

"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. 。

Mashable Top StoriesStay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter。By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.。By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.。

Thanks for signing up!
。

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.。

Tweet may have been deleted。

Tweet may have been deleted。

Tweet may have been deleted 。

Tweet may have been deleted 。

Tweet may have been deleted。

Tweet may have been deleted。

Tweet may have been deleted 。

Tweet may have been deleted。

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

Tweet may have been deleted。

Tweet may have been deleted。

---

Tweet may have been deleted 。

---

Attempted murders? We hope not!
。

---

Featured Video For You 。

Students Develop 'Anti-Rape Lingerie' Equipped with Electric Shocks, GPS  。TopicsCybersecurity 。