Naxal threat has to be put down with a firm hand: Mukherjee

Condemning the tragic attack by left wing extremists on security personnel in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, President Pranab Mukherjee has said that such random attacks on security forces performing their duties must be put down with a firm hand.

In a message to Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt, Mukherjee said: "Terror and violence have no place in a civilised society. Such random attacks on security forces performing their duty must be put down with a firm hand."

He further said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic attack by left wing extremists on security personnel in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh in which a number of persons belonging to CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police as well as a civilian have lost their lives and suffered injuries."

He expressed condolences to the grieving families of victims and asked the state government 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.

"In this moment of grief, I offer my most profound condolences to the grieving families of the victims. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," he added.

Fifteen security personnel and a civilian were killed in Tuesday's ambush in Sukma district of south Chhattisgarh.

The attack on Tuesday comes less than a month before Chhattisgarh goes to vote in the general election.

The incident took place close to the area where Naxals had killed top Congress leaders in 2013.