Maoist attack on CRPF jawans: Who said what
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various politicians condemned the brutal attack. Here are reactions.
Raipur, April 25: At least 26 CRPF personnel were martyred and seven wounded in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Monday, the deadliest ambush by Naxalites of security forces this year.
The nearly 100-strong CRPF patrol providing security for road construction work came under fierce gunfire from Maoist guerrillas occupying vantage positions, inflicting heavy casualties on the personnel, sources in the paramilitary said. The Naxalites mounted the assault around 12:25 PM in Kalapathar area of south Bastar region, one of the worst-hit by Left-wing extremism in the country.
[Also Read: 26 CRPF jawans martyred in Sukma: Nation pays tribute]
The area is close to the Chintagufa-Burkapal-Bheji axis, the hotbed of Naxal violence, which has seen a number of such attacks in the past resulting in high casualties.
The Naxals were believed to have also looted over a dozen weapons of the slain personnel, the officer said. All the troops belonged to the 74th battalion of the force depolyed in the area for anti-Maoist operations.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various politicians condemned the brutal attack. Here are the reactions:
President Pranab Mukherjee
"Strongly condemn attack on CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh; condolences to families of deceased and prayers for injured."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"Attack on @crpfindia personnel in Chhattisgarh is cowardly & deplorable. We are monitoring the situation closely. We are proud of the valour of our @crpfindia personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain. Condolences to their families."
Home Minister Rajnath Singh
"Extremely pained to know about the killing of CRPF personnel in Sukma. My tributes to the martyrs and condolences to their families. It is a very sad and unfortunate incident. We have taken the attack as a challenge."
Congress President Sonia Gandhi
"The sacrifice of 24 brave men is a big loss to the nation. Such mindless and ruthless attacks will never deter (us) in the fight against extremism."
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi
"My sincere condolences to the families of CRPF personnel martyred in the attack in #Sukma. We salute the sacrifice & courage of our bravehearts. This thoughtless violence will never succeed in weakening our resolve to fight forces of extremism."
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala
"Our salute to brave soldiers and condolences to families. Is it not a clear case of intelligence failure on the part of central and state governments? How does the present government propose to tackle Naxalites? Prime Minister should take decisive action against the anti-national forces, who are directly challenging the might of the nation."
Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi
"I am distressed to hear of the tragic loss of 26 brave CRPF personnel in Sukma (Chhattisgarh) in a Naxal attack."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
"Saddened at the tragic death of CRPF jawans in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. Strongly condemn violence. My sympathies with the bereaved families."
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje
"Martyrdom of the CRPF jawans will not go waste."
SALUTE. RESPECT. AWE...
— Sushil Kumar Singh (@SushilSinghMP) 25 April 2017
For them who give their today - for our tomorrow...
25 #CRPF Jawans who attained martyrdom in #Sukma Maoist attack pic.twitter.com/pfCI2SdBYm
These 25 CRPF jawaans had their children,their homes & their dreams.We have let these soldiers down.Hope we tackle this in the way, it works pic.twitter.com/a1FryYFltI
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 25 April 2017
Am in Raipur for the wreath laying ceremony for the 25 CRPF jawans who were killed yesterday. Ceremony begins at about 10:30 am. pic.twitter.com/r8wicnzeyh
— Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) 25 April 2017
The killing of 25 CRPF men is a national tragedy .those responsible for this ambush should not get away with this heinous crime
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) 25 April 2017
Names & Ranks of 25 CRPF Martyrs.Dear Politicians Mere condemning on twitter won't bring Justice & Cheers on face of their families. Plz Act pic.twitter.com/awvqQzD18w
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) 24 April 2017
Maoists slaughter 25 CRPF Jawans. Yet no one calls this terrorism. That's a term reserved for Muslims in this country!
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) 24 April 2017
Brutal murder of 25 CRPF jawans is horrific. Nearly 1k lives - police, paramilitary- r lost yearly. Deepest condolences to families&friends.
— Jayaprakash Narayan (@JP_LOKSATTA) 24 April 2017
25 CRPF jawans massacred. Govt needs a comprehensive strategy 1st 2 identify these Maoists & then 2 have a firm dialogue or surgical strike.
— shravan mission (@MissionShravan) 24 April 2017
25 CRPF jawans martyred in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district in an encounter with Maoists.Salute our martyrs pic.twitter.com/TfojLKwRZR
— FAZLUR 🏏 (@ifazlur) 24 April 2017
This blame-game politics won't take us anywhere. 25 #CRPF jawans died & we r merely making a moment outrage. Nothing to crush the Naxalites.
— Abhishek Kumar Singh (@ensutra) 24 April 2017
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