Raipur, April 9: Shortly after the fatal attack in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement on social media, extending condolences to the families of those killed in the Maoist ambush. Modi assured the nation that the martyrdom of the five security personnel, along with the assassination of BJP legislator Bhima Mandavi, will not be forgotten.

"Strongly condemn the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh. My tributes to the security personnel who were martyred. The sacrifices of these martyrs will not go in vain," he said.

The Prime Minister also expressed sorrow over the demise of Bhima Mandavi, the local MLA, describing him as a dedicated BJP worker who strove for the development and welfare of the people.

"Bhima Mandavi was a dedicated Karyakarta of the BJP. Diligent and courageous, he assiduously served the people of Chhattisgarh. His demise is deeply anguishing. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," Modi added.

The naxal ambush, two days before the Lok Sabha polls begin, casts a major doubt over the state o f law and order in the left-wing violence affected regions of central India.

Members of the banned CPI(Maoist) used improvised explosive device or IED to carry out the blast while the BJP convoy was passing through the region.

Following the explosion, the insurgents also launched open fire, which was retaliated to by the security personnel. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has rushed additional reinforcements to the region.

The general elections in Chhattisgarh will be contested in three phases - April 11, 18 and 23. A total of 11 parliamentary seats are being fought for in the state.

Ahead of the 2013 assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, a similar naxal attack had left 27 people dead, including the then state Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel and former minister Mahendra Karma.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 09, 2019 07:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).