Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight strongly condemned the "dastardly" Maoists attack on Congress leaders and workers in Chhattisgarh and appealed to the attackers to release at the earliest all those who may have been abducted.
Singh spoke to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh after the violent incident and offered all help in rescue and relief operations.
Describing the incident as "a dastardly and anti-democratic act", Singh said, "Government will take firm action against the perpetrators of violence of any kind."
He said, "I very strongly condemn the violent attack on Congress leaders and workers in Chhattisgarh today. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their lives."
He wished speedy recovery to those who have been injured in the attack, including senior Congress leader V C Shukla.
"I have spoken to the Chief Minister of the state and urged him to provide all possible assistance to those who have been injured and to ensure the security and safety of those who have been abducted," Singh said.
"I appeal to the attackers to release all those who may have been abducted at the earliest," the Prime Minister said.
He said such incidents go against the democratic values of the country.
