Singapore leaders express sorrow over Peshawar school massacre

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday, offering his condolences to families of victims in "the savage and dreadful" attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.

Gunmen massacred 132 children and nine staff in the tragic incident on Tuesday.

In his message, PM Lee said Singapore "strongly condemns this dastardly act of terror which has killed so many innocent young people".

He added: "I was deeply saddened to learn that many of these victims were students, who were seeking an education to better their lives. It is a painful reminder of why we are fighting against the terrorist cause, and why we must remain vigilant and resolute in this long battle."

[[nid:160544]]

"I am confident that Pakistan will face this tragedy with fortitude, and in time prevail against the forces of darkness and evil. Our thoughts are with you and your people during this period of grief."

Earlier today, PM Lee posted on his Facebook page that he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the massacre of the young pupils by the Taliban.

He wrote: "This comes just a day after the Sydney incident, and is much worse. Singaporeans know Sydney better than Peshawar, so the Sydney incident feels closer to home. But when innocent children are brutally murdered like this our hearts go out to their families. We all share a common humanity, whichever country we happen to live in."

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean also expressed sorrow over the tragedy in a Facebook post on Wednesday. A day earlier, he posted another note about the Sydney hostage crisis.

DPM Teo wrote that the Sydney incident "shows that terrorist attacks by individuals can take place even when there is heightened security", and attacks can be prevented by "remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly".

candicec@sph.com.sg