India calls Peshawar attack 'a crime against humanity'

Referring to the terrorist attack on a school in Pakistan as a 'crime against humanity', the Indian Government on Tuesday strongly condemned the strikes.

"No words will capture the feeling of deep revulsion and horror we feel about the terror attack against innocent children of the school in Peshawar. It was just not innocent children who have been massacred today, but the very conception of humanity," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told ANI.

"The Government of India strongly condemns this barbaric crime against humanity. Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives or were injured in this barbaric incident," he added.

Akbaruddin was reacting to the ongoing attack on Peshawar's Army Public School by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has reportedly led to the death of 104 people, including 84 students.

Assuring that the entire country is praying for the families of the victims, Akbaruddin further stated that India will never condone acts of terror

"We hope the almighty gives [the families] the courage and fortitude to bear their irreparable loss," he said.

"There never has been, nor will there ever be a justification for terrorism," he added.

According to reports, around 10 terrorists have stormed the Peshawar school the school dressed as Frontier Corps' officers and two to three militants have been killed after scaling its walls. One of the militants reportedly blew himself up, while another terrorist is believed to have over 50 captives in his custody.

A strong contingent of police and security forces reached the spot and blocked the area as the operation took place. The police have also reportedly surrounded the school perimeter.

Meanwhile, TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani has said that the attackers were instructed to target the older students but not the younger ones.