Chhattisgarh CM, police pay homage to soldiers killed in Maoist attack

Raipur, May 18 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh was on Wednesday joined by police top brass in paying homage to the seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were killed in a landmine blast by Maoists

A ceremonial state tribute was accorded to the troopers of the CRPF who hailed from different states of the country.

Raman Singh informed mediapersons that the state government is strengthening mechanism to combat Maoists.

"We express our condolences to the families of the martyrs belonging to the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, who sacrificed their lives for Chhattisgarh. The top brass of the state police are all here to boost the morale of the troopers posted in the area. Our coordination in the fight against Maoists has become better and in the times to come we would go down the ground level and strengthen our grip," he said.

Seven CRPF personnel were killed on Tuesday night when a commander's escort vehicle was blown up in a landmine blast by Maoists in Dantewada District.

Commander of CRPF's 2nd battalion Arvind Rai escaped unhurt in the attack, which occurred when he was travelling with the personnel from Kerlapal to Sukma in Dantewada district, 280 kms from Raipur.

The vehicle, which was following Rai's jeep, was blown up in the blast, killing five on the spot. Three were injured of whom two succumbed to their injuries.

The landmine attack came hours after the rebels called for a two-day general strike starting from May 21 to demand the release of three of their imprisoned leaders. (ANI)