Govt taking attack on CRPF by Naxals in Sukma as challenge: Rajnath Singh

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the government has taken as a "challenge" the killing of 25 CRPF personnel by Naxals in Sukma in Chhattisgarh.

"We have taken the attack as a challenge," he told reporters in Delhi.

Singh described the incident as "sad and unfortunate".

"It is a very sad and unfortunate incident. I will talk to Chief Minister Raman Singh for more details," he said.

Earlier, Singh asked Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir to travel to Chhattisgarh to take stock of the situation.

According to ANI, at least 25 CRPF personnel were killed and six wounded in Sukma district today, the deadliest attack by Naxalites targeting security forces this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences in a tweet and said, "We are proud of the valour of our @crpfindia personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain".

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh cut short his Delhi visit following the attack and rushed back to Raipur for an emergency meeting.

"Our jawans will not back down. Sukma is Naxalite bastion. This road, once built, will cripple their network," the chief minister said.

- - With PTI inputs