Had to stay back in US for medical examination, explains Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde

New Delhi: Sushil Kumar Shinde faced criticism for staying back in the US even after Maoists ambushed a Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh, killing 24 people.

Here are the highlights from his presser:

• I strongly condemn the inhuman killing of innocent leaders in Chhattisgarh
• It is an attack on our democracy
• I led the delegation to US at the invitation of internal homeland security minister from May 19-23
• The other delegates returned to Mumbai on May 23. I took permission to stay back till 29th because I had a doctor's appointment
• I returned to India immediately after the appointment.
  
• Whoever is working in Naxal areas, leaders who are working to bring about democracy will be provided full security
• I have been told a judicial inquiry has been ordered by the state government
• I will get more information after I go there tomorrow
• There are many areas where Naxals have a stronghold and attacks can happen in these areas too, I have been told.
• We have information that Naxals may try to target urban centres. There was specific information about Pune. 
• Sometimes, because of security lapses, we need to be more alert and develop a better strategy
• We should wait for probe before concluding anything