President Pranab Mukherjee condemns attack on CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday has strongly condemned the tragic attack by left wing extremists that left 13 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel of paramilitary unit dead, including two officers in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.

He expressed his shock and dismay to the Governor of Chhattisgarh, Balramji Das Tandon.

"I condemn this act of violence on our security forces in the strongest of terms and call upon authorities concerned to spare no efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible," said President Mukherjee.

He offered his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of the victims.

"I call upon the State Government and other agencies to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured, whom I wish speedy recovery," he added.

An attack by Maoist forces on Monday left 13 Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF ) personnel of paramilitary unit dead, including two officers in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.

According to reports, the Maoist forces are also understood to have used local villagers as a human shield against retaliatory fire.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh government has reportedly decided to mount pressure on Maoists after yesterday's attack and steps are being taken in this direction.

Search operations have been allegedly intensified to find out the Maoists involved in the attack.