Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the Naxal attack in Sukma which claimed lives of nine Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and left five injured. 

“India salutes the brave CRPF personnel who were martyred in the attack in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the brave martyrs. The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of grief,” PM Modi tweeted.

On Tuesday, mine-protected vehicle (MPV) carrying CRPF personnel was blown up, possibly, by several explosives. The personnel were conducting an area-domination operation in forests located in the Kistaram area when the unfortunate incident happened. 

The attack was in retaliation for an encounter between the CRPF and Naxalites earlier in the day at around 8 AM. 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also took to Twitter to express condolences earlier in the day. 

“My heartfelt condolences to the families of personnel who lost their lives in Sukma blast. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured jawans. I spoke to DG @crpfindia regarding the Sukma incident and asked him to leave for Chhattisgarh,” tweeted Rajnath Singh.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the party salutes soldier’s sacrifice and attacked the BJP for being ignorant towards the attacks on security forces.

“We salute the sacrifice of our jawans and extend condolences to their families, but under Modi ji's watch all we get are acronyms and empty speeches, till when will our jawans continue to lay down their lives?,” said Surjewala