Maoists Strikes Continue in Chhattisgarh

Maoists (Naxals) launched a major offensive against the security forces in Chhattisgarh killing at least 73 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in an ambush in Dantewada district of the state on 6 April. Maoists attacked the security personnel between Chintalnar and Tademetla in Sukma block when were on way to Tademetla in Sukma block of Dantewada in a vehicle. The Maoists first triggered a landmine explosion and the moment the vehicle stopped, the rebels ambushed the CRPF team from a hill top.

The total casualty is 73 and about 12 CRPF personnel have been injured. The reinforcement has reached the ambush site and recovered 40 bodies. The CRPF party was out for last three days.

Tough Time for Security Forces
A gun battle is presently going on at Jagargunda in Chintalnar block of Dantewada district between hundreds of armed Maoists and approximately 100 CRPF personnel.

The forces are facing difficulty as the area has been blocked by the Maoists. Maoists had built bunkers on the hill top and CRPF personnel not aware of the bunkers. The attack was preplanned. They first attacked the CRPF mobile van followed by firing.

Home Minister Shocked
Expressing shock over the 'very high' casualty of the CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said something must have gone 'drastically' wrong in the joint operation with the state police. He said that the casualty was very high and I am deeply shocked at the loss of lives. This shows the savage nature of CPI(Maoist) and their brutality and the savagery they are capable of.

Chidambaram said that more forces have been sent to the area to take on the Maoists. Chidambaram said "The state police and CRPF have jointly mobilized forces in the area. I am sorry for the people who have lost their lives. The security forces are monitoring the situation.

A contingent of CRPF personnel from West Bengal has already been mobilized and ordered to move to Dantewada. The CRPF team was going to Sukma where a gun battle had been taking place between security forces and Naxals since 5 April evening when it was attacked. One CRPF personnel had already been killed and another injured in the gun battle on 5 April.