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. 。

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"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. 。

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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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