Family members perform last rites of soldiers martyred in Maoist attack

Family members and relatives of soldiers killed in the Maoists attack in Chhattisgarh, performed last rites of slain soldiers with full state honor and sought government's help in supporting them.

Maoist rebels on Tuesday had ambushed and killed 16 security personnel involved in a mine clearing operation near Tongpal in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, as the insurgents demonstrated their strength ahead of the general election next month.

The victims were clearing mines laid by rebels on a road through a densely forested area when the rebels attacked from all sides.

CRPF's head constable Neeraj Singh was one of the security officials killed in the attack whose body arrived for the last rites in Meerut.

"I have complete faith that in the way the central government and the Chhattisgarh government is giving compensation to the family of the deceased soldiers in a similar way the government of Uttar Pradesh will also give them compensation. There should be a memorial on his name in this village as he is a source of inspiration," said Satyapal Singh, a villager.

Out of the 16, one person was a civilian, 11 persons belonged to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and four were from district police.

Meanwhile another soldier's body arrived in Punjab who was an expert in detonating explosives.

"He was in the Army and there he gained expertise in handling explosives. It was on those bases that he was appointed in CRPF on contract bases and was working with us from past two years," said Sunil, police officer.

The family of another security official, Pradeep Kumar, mourned his death in Ranchi, and the chief minister Hemant Soren too came down to honour the deceased.

"This is a Maoists attack incident and the soldiers showed their courage and one soldier from our state also sacrificed his life and we feel proud of such soldiers who are ready to give up their lives for their country and states," said Soren.