Dantewada blast: "The wanton killing leaves me pained," says Chidambaram

New Delhi, May 17 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday said that he was pained by the attack on a civilian bus in Chhattisgarh that left over 30 people dead.

In an exclusive interview to the NDTV, Chidambaram said: "Naxals don't discriminate, only kill. The wanton killing leaves me pained."

"Naxals don't make distinction between CRPF, cops, SPOs. First they kill, then they justify," he added.

Commenting whether in this incident he would hold anybody responsible, Chidambaram said: "It's not the time to blame anyone."

On April 6, when the Maoists killed 75 CRPF personnel Chidambaram offered to resign from his position.

Chidambaram said the civil rights groups and NGOs should speak about the incident.

"Civil society groups have a lot to answer for today's attack," he said.

When his attention was drawn towards a poll result in which 67 percent expressed their favour to use armed forces against Naxals Chidambaram said he has a limited mandate.

"I have asked for more mandate to the Prime Minister," he said.

He further said the matter would be discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

He also informed that Chief Ministers of all the Naxal affected states demanded for deployment of air support to help the ground forces.

"I tried to convince the cabinet on air support, will again discuss the matter," Chidambaram said.

After the incident was reported Chidambaram held discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and apprised him of the situation.

During the interview Chidambaram acknowledged some problems at the ground level operation in Chhattisgarh.

"We Need to revisit tactical operations in Chhattisgarh, Orissa as both these states are flash points," he said.

On Monday evening, in one of the worst attack on civilians, the Maoists blew off a private bus killing over 30 people.

The bus was on its way from Dantewada to Sukma when the incident took place near Chingawaram, over nine kilometers from Sukma.

The bus-CG17 SS 9295 was carrying 20 special police officers (SPO) and over 30 civilians. The SPOs were on their way to participate in a special recruitment drive.

The latest blast incident has taken place a day after the Maoists called for a 48 hour shutdown in five states-Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. (ANI)