India Boosts School Security Following Terrorist Attack in Pakistan

NEW DELHI, December 17 (Sputnik) — Security has been increased in Indian schools after a deadly terrorist attack on a school in neighboring Pakistan, Indian Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh said Wednesday.

"We have conveyed all the schools across India that they should ensure security of children and increase security in the schools. Home Ministry has sent this advisory to all the schools," Singh told reporters outside the Parliament.

In Delhi, police armed with automatic weapons have been deployed at schools and local authorities have held meetings with school administrations, offering advice on how to safeguard children in case of an attack. Some schools have held security drills to create awareness among the students.

"Delhi schools are safe and secure and we are prepared to meet any threats. We are doing our best to ensure safety in schools. We have identified the vulnerable zones and keeping close vigil in these areas. We have deployed police personnel in the schools,” Delhi Police Commissioner Bhimsen Bassi said.

On Tuesday, seven attackers killed 132 students between the ages of 8 and 18 as well as several adult personnel in an army-run public school in Peshawar, Pakistan. Pakistani Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the massacre, calling it an act of revenge for Pakistani military operations against the militant group.