President , PM, Opposition leaders condemn Naxal attacks on Jawans
Sources said the attack is revenge for the encounters conducted by the commando unit in the region last year, in which 40 Maoist cadres were killed.
WEB DESK / AGENCIES / Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)
At least 15 security personnel and a driver were killed as Maoists triggered an IED blast on a truck carrying a team of C-60 commandos in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli today.
Sources said the attack is revenge for the encounters conducted by the commando unit in the region last year, in which 40 Maoist cadres were killed.
The blast was triggered at 12.30 pm, hours after Maoists torched at least three dozen vehicles belonging to private contractors in Kurkheda sub-district of Gadchiroli.
The commando unit, part of the Quick Response Team of Gadchiroli police, had set out in a private vehicle for patrolling after the arson incident, said officials.
Director General of Police Subodh Kumar Jaiswal confirmed the death toll and said the team was ambushed by the naxalites. “A probe is underway. We hope this does not happen again,” he said at a press conference.
“Strongly condemn the terror attack in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Thoughts and prayers with the families of police personnel killed, and wishing an early recovery to those injured. The entire nation stands united in the fight against such violence” says President Kovind in tweet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on Twitter and said the perpetrators will not be spared. “Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. My thoughts & solidarity are with the bereaved families,” he wrote.
Home minister Rajnath Singh too condemned the attack. “Spoke to Maharashtra CM Shri @Dev_Fadnavis regarding the tragic incident in Gadchiroli and expressed my grief at the loss of brave Police personnel. We are providing all assistance needed by the state government. MHA is in constant touch with the state administration,” he tweeted.
Questions, however, are being raised as to why the jawans were sent on patrol duty in a private vehicle and a bomb-proof one was not used, especially when there were inputs that the Maoists were planning an attack.
Two weeks ago, another IED blast was set off near a polling booth in Gadchiroli on April 11, during the first phase of the national election. No one was injured in the incident. A day before that, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was critically injured in an IED blast in Gadchiroli.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has termed the attack on Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli an act of cowardice and desperation.In a tweet, Mr Singh said he spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the tragic incident and expressed grief at the loss of brave Police personnel. He said the Centre is providing all assistance needed by the state government. Mr Singh said, the country is extremely proud of the valour of the police personnel. He said, their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain.
Congress condemns attack on Commandos in Gadchiroli
Congress party has condemned the attack on Commandos in Gadchiroli. In a tweet, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, their sacrifice would not go in vain. He said, 390 Jawans have been martyred in Naxal attacks in past five years that expose hollow claims by present government of securing India.
गढ़चिरोली, महाराष्ट्र में सुरक्षा जवानों के ऊपर हुए हमले की खबर से, मुझे बहुत दुख पहुंचा है।
पीड़ित परिवारों के प्रति, मैं गहरी शोक और संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ ।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 1, 2019