Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, strongly condemned the Naxal attack on security personnel in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, saying perpetrators of such violence 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,” he tweeted. “My thoughts and solidarity are with the bereaved families. The perpetrators of such violence will not be spared,” the prime minister said in his tweet.
At least 16 people, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in Gadchiroli district Wednesday, police said. Earlier in the day, the Naxals torched 25 vehicles belonging to a road construction contractor, they said.
Those killed in the blast were members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) of Gadchiroli Police, which was on way to inspect the torched vehicles, an official said.
‘Act of cowardice’
Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured all help to the Maharashtra government in the wake of the attack. He said the attack an act of cowardice and desperation.
The Home Minister also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who briefed him about the incident. “Attack on Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli is an act of cowardice and desperation. We are providing all assistance needed by the State government. The Home Ministry is in constant touch with the State administration,” he said in a statement.
Singh said the country was extremely proud of the valour of police personnel and their supreme sacrifice while serving the nation will not go in vain. “I have spoken to the Maharashtra Chief Minister regarding the tragic incident in Gadchiroli and expressed my grief at the loss of brave police personnel,” he said.
BJP president Amit Shah condemned the Naxal attack on police personnel in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and described it as an act of cowardice and desperation.
Condemning the Naxal attack on the police force, BJP party president Amit Shah said, “Naxalites attacked Maharashtra Police personnel in Gadchiroli. I have come to know that 16 people, including 15 security personnel, were killed in an IED blast triggered by Naxals. This is an act of cowardice and desperation. I pay my respect to those killed in the attack and wish quick recovery of the injured people. Our government will extend all help.”
'Will fight Naxal menace'
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the Naxal attack in Gadchiroli and said that the Naxal menace would be fought with stronger efforts.
“Anguished to know that our 16 police personnel from Gadchiroli C-60 force got martyred in a cowardly attack by Naxals today. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs’ families. I am in touch with the DGP and the Gadchiroli SP,” he said in a statement. “I strongly condemn this attack and we will fight this menace with even stronger efforts,” the chief minister added.