Chhattisgarh CM visits naxal attack victims

Rajahmundry, Mar 1 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said 26 tribals were killed and 30 injured in the landmine blast triggered by Naxals at Erraboru village in the Dantewade district of his state.

Addressing mediapersons at Madurapudi Airport, about 25 km from here, after visiting the victims Mr Singh said the injured were admitted to hospitals in Bhadrachalam, Khammam and Hyderabad.

Mr Singh also announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 30,000 for the injured.

He said since Naxalism was spread over 140 districts of neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand covering 30 crore people, the menace could be solved only through joint action plan.

The peace talk intiative of some states did not bear fruit, he admitted. The Chief Minister said security forces were being adequately equipped to deal with Naxalism.

Mr singh said protection would be given to 'Adivasis' and those living in the border areas. While condeming the incident, he said it only showed the Naxals' frustration.

To a question, he said the Polavaram project which will submerge some land in Chhattisgarh will be discussed with the Andhra Pradesh Government.

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