Raipur: 25 CRPF jawans were martyred in Chattisgarh’s Sukma district on Monday when about 300 Naxals ambushed a 99-member team of soldiers who were patrolling the area. According to reports, the Naxals were heavily armed with automatic rifles and rocket launchers. The outnumbered jawans battled the Maoists for more than two hours inflicting heavy casualties on the red terrorists.
One of the injured soldiers, Sher Mohammad said that the Naxals first sent villagers to check their positions and then launched an all-out attack. There were villagers, women Naxals and Maoists wearing black dresses. The soldier said that the CRPF jawans killed a number of Maoists. “I myself shot 4-5 Naxals in their chest,” said the braveheart.
Meanwhile, Sher Mohammad’s mother said she is proud of her son. “My son killed 5 Naxals.Proud of my son, the entire village is praying for him,” Fareeda, mother of CRPF constable Sher Mohammed injured in Sukma said.
Here is the list of 25 Sukma martyrs:
The CRPF has also released the list of the martyred jawans:
Drenching roots of the nation with their blood 25 heroes inspired by the motto of #NationFirst made supreme devotion to our motherland. pic.twitter.com/5To465Vdz4
— CRPF (@crpfindia) April 24, 2017
The CRPF in its official statement has confirmed Sher Mohammad’s information, saying the force inflicted heavy casualties on the Naxals.
“A considerable number of Maoists are believed to have been eliminated (in retaliatory action by CRPF men) as the tell-tale sign indicates from the ground,” it said.
Mortal remains of CRPF jawans who lost their lives in the Maoist attack on Monday were brought to CAF camp (Mana) Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee have condemned the attack.
“Attack on CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh is cowardly & deplorable. We are monitoring the situation closely. We are proud of the valour of our personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain. Condolences to their families. May those injured in today’s attack in Chhattisgarh recover at the earliest,” PM Modi said in a series of tweets.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Raipur to pay his last respects.