New Delhi:
Twenty five people, including the Chattisgarh state Congress chief, have died after being attacked by suspected Naxals in Sukma yesterday. They were ambushed and shot at when they were returning from a Congress rally in Jagdalpur in a 40-car strong convoy. Union minister Jairam Ramesh today held a press conference about the attack. Here are the highlights:
- Thus is an attack on democracy and on the Congress party.
- Had met our colleagues, including Mahendra Karma, just two days ago.
- Didn't not expect nor can imagine the massacre that took place.
- Proves Naxals have no faith in our democratic process.
- The Naxals are using fighting for the adivasis as a mask to fight us.
- We have to move above politics... this issue cannot be politicised.
- Politics and progress is the solution to this (problem)
- It is a day of sadness... but we will continue to work for progress and growth in these areas.
- As a Union minister, when I visit these places, I don't face a problem. But I can't say that of my colleagues from the state.