Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has admitted the security lapses that had led to the killing of key Congress leaders in the Maoist attack which claimed 28 lives in the state. He, however, rejected the charge that adequate security was not provided to the leaders.
Mr Singh also said an inquiry has already been ordered to fix responsibility. He ruled out using the army in fighting Naxals in the state and said an integrated action plan and proper co-rdination among the state and Centre is needed.
The National Investigation Agency has begun probe into attack. The team has already reached Raipur. More than a thousand security personnel have entered the dense jungle of the Bastar region for a major offensive against the ultras. State DGP Ram Niwas said that the police have received a tip off about the cadres responsible for the attack. He said, a police jawan Pawan Kindro is missing and a search is on to trace him in the jungles.
Meanwhile, the Centre has asked all Maoist-hit states to revamp security of political workers and ensure that political activities are not affected by any violence. In an advisory, the Home Ministry said, security of political leaders– both national and regional parties– should be reviewed thoroughly. It said if necessary, their protection should be upgraded.
The attack killed former state Home Minister Mahendra Karma, an architect of 'Salwa Judum', and State Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Nand Kumar Patel and his son Dinesh. Former Union Minister V C Shukla who was injured in the Maoist attack is admitted in a Gurgaon hospital. His condition is stated to be critical but stable.