Prim Minister Narendra Modi.

New Delhi, April 24Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the killing of CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh by Maoists as “cowardly and deplorable”.”We are proud of the valour of our CRPF personnel. The sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain,” Modi tweeted.”Condolences to their families. May those injured in (the) attack recover at the earliest.” The Prime Minister said the government was monitoring the situation in Chhattisgarh closely.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “extremely pained” over the Chhattisgarh killings.”Extremely pained to know about the killings of CRPF personnel in Sukma (district). My tributes to the martyrs and condolences to their families,” Rajnath Singh tweeted.He said he had spoken to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Hansraj Ahir, who “will take stock of the situation”.Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said he was “extremely distressed” over the Naxal attack in his state.”I am extremely distressed to know about the Naxal attack in Sukma. I am cancelling my Delhi tour and returning to Chhattisgarh to attend a meeting,” he wrote on Twitter.Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said, “Sincere condolences to families of CRPF personnel martyred in the attack in Sukma. We salute sacrifice and courage of our bravehearts.”The Congress described the killing of CRPF personnel as extremely unfortunate and called on the Narendra Modi-led NDA government to initiate appropriate counter action.Addressing the media, party spokesman Manish Tiwari said, “Extremely unfortunate. Hope government will act with alacrity. Hope government initiates appropriate action against people responsible for attack.”  — Agencies