Cong condemns naxalite attack in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) The Congress today termed yesterday's naxalite attack on tribals in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh killed over 25 as a ''total failure'' of Chief Minister Raman Singh and his government and called upon him to own moral responsibility.

''The fact that the naxalites exploded landmines is a telling commentary on the security situation in Chhattisgarh and failure of the state machinery and the intelligence apparatus,'' party spokesperson Jayanti Natrajan told mediapersons at a briefing in the premises of Parliament House.

''It is a direct reflection on the capacity of the Government and failure to protect the lives of the tribals,'' she asserted.

Citing the instance of Gujarat where over 2000 people, mostly minorities, were massacred, Ms Natrajan charged that the life of the poor, oppressed and the underprivileged tribals and minorities was in great danger in BJP-ruled states.

The Congress spokesperson claimed that it was Congress President Sonia Gandhi who raised the voice of concern first over the Naxalite attack. ''We have not heard of any serious concern expressed by any BJP luminary, who are always quick to voice opinion on other issues.

It is matter of surprise that the shrill voice are now silent.'' Ms Natrajan said the Congress demanded that the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister should, under no circumstances, allow recurrence of such an event and take all steps for the protection of the tribals.

UNI YS VD BD1755