6 security men killed in back-to-back Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: Six security personnel were killed and eight injured in back-to-back attacks by Naxals in insurgency-hit districts of Chhattisgarh, which has seen a string of strikes by the red ultras in the past three days.

The Maoists triggered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device explosion targeting an anti-landmine vehicle carrying a patrolling party of 11 Chhattisgarh Armed Force jawans near Cholnar under Kirandul police limits in Dantewada district. Five jawans were killed in the attack.

The incident took place at around 2.30pm  when the security personnel were returning to their camp at Cholnar after conducting road opening operation to enable the workers to resume construction of the Korandul-Cholnar road. Maoists first triggered the blast and then opened indiscriminate fire on the jawans who tried to escape.

The anti-landmine vehicle was thrown a few meters away under the impact of the explosion. Additional director general of police (Naxal operation) R.K.Vij confirmed the casualties.

Earlier in the day, a group of heavily armed guerrillas attempted to storm a BSF camp at Chhotte Baithiye leading to a fierce gun battle. “One BSF jawan was killed in the incident,” Mr Vij told this newspaper. Body of a Naxal was also recovered from the encounter site. Besides, three IEDs of 20 kg each were recovered in the area.

On Sunday, Maoists set ablaze 17 vehicles engaged in mining work in Kanker district. In their first major strike in Bastar this year, Maoists killed seven jawans of special task force when they ambushed a search party in Pidmel jungle in Sukma district in south Bastar.

Government has decided to confer gallantry awards on the security personnel who sacrificed their lives in the recent Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh and said it would also extend benefits to their kin.

"We have decided to give them the gallantry award. We have also finalised other facilities to be given (to their family members). We will make a proper announcement as soon as possible," Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters here.

"Paying tribute to the security personnel killed in Chhattisgarh, he said, "I salute the courage of jawans who sacrificed their lives."