35 killed, 15 injured as naxal explodes bus: Raman (2nd Update)

     Raipur, May 17, 2010: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today confirmed that at least 35 people were killed and 15 injured as the Maoists land mined and blown up a passenger bus in Dantewada district.

     “At least 24 civilians and 11 Special Police Officers were killed and 14 SPOs and one civilian woman were injured in that incident,” a visibly worried Chief Minister told a press conference here this evening.

     The Maoists had blown up the passenger bus at Chingabaram under Gadiras Police Station in the Sukma-Dantewada road, about 140 km from the district headquarters at about 4.00 PM.

     Replying to a question, Singh said whether army would be deployed against the Maoists or not would not be decided at the end of the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

      But definitely, the strategy against the Maoists ought to be changed as the naxalites have started targetting the civilians and on that issue he would talk to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister said.

     Singh also informed that the Union Home Minister Chidambaram had called him up and condemned the incident and assured him of all assistance.