Congress workers protest against Maoist attack on CRPF personnel

Allahabad, May 10 (ANI): Supporters and activists of the Congress party staged a mass protest against the recent landmine attacks on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur District.

Protesting Congressmen raised anti- Maoist slogans and also burnt an effigy of Chhattisgarh State Chief Minister Raman Singh on Sunday.

"The weak internal security and intelligence in the Chhattisgarh state are the main reason for the frequent Maoist attacks in the state. Earlier an attack happened in Dantewada, now in Bijapur our soldiers are being martyred. But the state government is mum, this is very unfortunate," said Mukund Tiwari, a lawmaker.

Meanwhile, Nankiram Kanwar Chhattisgarh's Home Minister said the government geared up to tackle the Maoists.

Eight CRPF personnel of 168 Battalion, including a driver, who were travelling in a TATA 407 bulletproof vehicle from their company headquarters in Murkinal to nearby battalion headquarters, were killed by the landmine blast near Pedakodepal village on National Highway 16 in Bijapur.

The attack came about a month after 76 CRPF personnel were ambushed by the rebels in Dantewada District.

The Maoists claim they are crusading for the poor, marginal farmers, and landless labourers.

They have spread into the rural pockets of 20 of India's 28 states. (ANI)