Pranab slams CRPF troopers

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday strongly condemned the attack on CRPF troopers in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district that left 13 personnel dead.

In his message to Chhattisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon, the president said: "I am shocked and dismayed to learn about the tragic attack by left wing extremists on security personnel in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh yesterday (Monday) in which a number of persons belonging to the CRPF have lost their lives and suffered injuries."

"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," he added.

Offering heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of the victims, Mukherjee said: "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."

Maoists Monday gunned down 13 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers engaged in an operation aimed at flushing out the rebels from a thickly forested area of Chhattisgarh.