Barbaric attack by Maoists, says Brinda Karat

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat Sunday said the Maoist attack on the Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh was "barbaric" and a shocking example of politics of violence and terror by the Maoists.

"We strongly condemn this barbaric attack by the Maoists on the Parivartan Yatra (transformation rally) of the Congress party. This incident is a shocking example of politics of violence and terror practiced by the Maoists against all political opponents," Karat said.

Conveying her condolences to the families of those who killed in the attack, Karat said: "My party has demanded a high-level probe into this incident."

"The BJP government is certainly answerable and responsible for this, because there are reports that even security arrangements which should have been made were not done. The government has given permission for such a yatra, so certainly adequate security arrangements should have been made. It is a high level intelligence failure," Karat told a news channel here.

A large number of Maoists Saturday attacked a Congress party convoy, in a forested area of Chhattisgarh's southern Bastar area, blocking its way with felled trees, setting off a landmine blast and then opening fire.

The attack left close to 30 dead, including two senior Congress leaders. At least 25 were injured.