In a shocking development, the naxals launched a daring attack on a convoy of Congress Party in Sukma, resulting in the death of at least 2 leaders and and injuring many others, including veteran leader Vidya Charan Shukla and MLA Kawasi Lakhma. One of the deceased was identified as former Minister Mahendra Karma. He had been under threat from the naxals for playing a key role in establishing anti-naxal group, Salwa Judum. He was a strong contender to become the Chief Ministerial candidate. 10 others, including some policemen were also killed. Former MLA Uday Mudliyar was killed in the attack.
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There is no trace of Chhattisgarh Congress Unit President Nand Kumar Patel and his son, who were also part of the cavalcade. They might have been abducted. The Congress leaders and cadres were leading the ‘Parivartan Yatra’. They were targeted at Darbha Ghat between Sukma and Jagdalpur.
Many other Congress cadres were injured in the attack, in which 500-1000 naxals were involved. They triggered landmine blasts and then resorted to firing to attack the Congress yatra. Unofficial reports claimed the death of many other policemen and Congress cadres, which is yet to be confirmed.
Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Vidya Charan Shukla is said to be very critical. He suffered bullet injuries, confirmed AICC Spokesperson Bhakta Charan Das. The injured are being treated at Maharani Hospital in Jagadalpur. Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh has cancelled the BJP’s ‘Vikas Yatra’ and returned to Raipur to hold an emergency meeting.