Strongly condemning the naxal attack in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, the Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday gave a call for statewide bandh on Monday.
"We strongly condemn the dastardly act that killed a number of our former colleagues. As Chhattisgarh was part of Madhya Pradesh before division, we have called a statewide bandh on Monday in protest," State Congress president Kantilal Bhuria and leader of Opposition Ajay Singh said.
"It was a major lapse as the State government failed to provide security to the 'Parivartan Yatra' participants despite having prior knowledge about the threat to the Congress leaders from the naxalites," Bhuria said. They demanded the immediate resignation of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh as well as the imposition of President's rule in the State. The Congress leaders also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to those killed in the attack.
Heavily armed Maoists ambushed a convoy of Congress leaders in Chattisgarh's Sukma district yesterday, killing 27 people, including senior Congress leader Mahendra Karma, State party chief Nand Kumar Patel and injuring senior leader V C Shukla and 31 others. High alert in State
Following the deadly Naxal attack in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, a high alert has been sounded in Madhya Pradesh in Naxal-affected districts, police sources said on Sunday.
Security has been increased since Saturday night in areas close to Chhattisgarh and other Naxal-affected districts in the State, they said. All range Inspector Generals have been directed to intensify vigil to prevent the ultras from entering the State, sources added.