'Tragic an institution of higher learning in Kenya has been targeted in this cowardly act': Prez

Expressing shock and deep sadness over the terrorist attack on a University in Kenya President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said it is particularly tragic that an institution of higher learning has been targeted in this cowardly act.

"It was with shock and deep sadness that I learned of the terrorist attack on a University in Kenya in which more than a hundred innocent civilians were killed and scores injured. It is particularly tragic that an institution of higher learning has been targeted in this cowardly act," President Mukherjee said in his message to H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Kenya.

"Please accept the heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies of the Government and people of India. We stand by the Government and people of Kenya in this hour of grief and pray for the speedy and full recovery of those who have been injured," he added.

About 79 people were injured during the attack, in which Somalia's Al Shabaab militants targeted Christians.

Reports claimed that the masked gunmen were wearing suicide vests and were armed with AK-47s.

The 12-hour-long-long siege ended as the four gunmen were killed and one suspect was arrested.

Meanwhile, five people have been nabbed in the connection which killed 148 people.