Eleven people, including ten security personnel, were killed in an encounter with alleged Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada on Wednesday afternoon.
The deceased were jawans of District Reserve Guard (DRG), a locally raised anti-insurgency unit and were out for an anti-Naxal operations when they were ambushed, said the police.
“Today, on April 26, DRG force was dispatched from Dantewada for anti-Naxal operation on the intelligence of the presence of Maoist cadre under Police Station Aranpur area of District Dantewada. While they were returning after the operation, an IED was blasted by Maoists on Aranpur road due to which 10 DRG jawans + 01 driver involved in the operation were martyred,” said a statement by Chhattisgarh police.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister of Chattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel and took stock of the Dantewada incident. He said the Centre will give all possible help to State Government, a government official said.
“Anguished by the cowardly attack on the Chhattisgarh police at Dantewada. Have spoken to Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister and assured all possible assistance to the state government. My condolences to the bereaved family members of the martyred Jawans,” Shah said in a tweet.
Former Chhattisgarh CM and BJP leader Raman Singh said, “The naxalites have shown cowardice by attacking the police vehicle in Aranpur, Dantewada. Saluting the martyrdom of 10 brave soldiers of our DRG and 1 driver who were martyred in this attack, I pray to God that the departed souls find a place in the holy feet and mourn May the family members be given the strength to bear this sorrow.”
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal called the attack a “cowardly act” and stressed the need for “immediate strict steps to crush Naxalism.”
“Our soldiers were martyred in the Naxalite attack in Chhattisgarh. This cowardly act of Naxalites is very disturbing information. All the governments need to take immediate strict steps to crush Naxalism. Humble tribute to the martyred soldiers! May his soul rest in peace!!” the AAP supremo said in a tweet in Hindi.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath tweeted: “Humble tribute to the brave sons of Mother India who were martyred while performing their duty in Chhattisgarh! My thoughts are with the bereaved family. We stand with all the families in this sad time. May God grant the departed souls a place in his holy feet and strength to the family members to bear this sorrow.”
