Naxalism a national challenge that we will succeed in tackling, says Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday termed Naxalism a 'national challenge' and vowed that the Centre will succeed in effectively tackling the menace. "Naxalism is a national challenge, we have accepted this challenge and we will succeed in tackling this menace," Singh told the media.

Singh was in Chhattisgarh after Monday's attack by Maoist forces on CRPF jawans, which left 14 personnel of the paramilitary force dead. Speaking on the attack, Singh saluted the spirit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and announced compensation for the martyred.

"The incident that took place in the Sukma district of the state was very unfortunate. I salute the spirit of the CRPF men who fight the red terror. The government will take full responsibility of the family of the slain soldiers," Singh said.

"We announce a compensation of Rs 38 lakh for the kin of 14 CRPF jawans killed in the incident, while Rs. 65,000 each will be given to the 15 others injured in the incident," he added.

Earlier in the day, Singh paid homage to the CRPF personnel martyred during the Maoist attack. He also convened a high-level meeting to take stock of the situation in Chhattisgarh, which was attended by Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh and Governor Balram Das Tandon.

The meet reviewed the situation in the state and those present discussed future strategies to deal with the Maoist problem.