Date:28/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/28/stories/2005042810930400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

YSR, condemns naxal attack YSR, Jana condemn Maoist attack

Special Correspondent

Rs. 5 lakhs ex gratia announced for kin of victims: combing to continue

Maoists' outrage:The bullet-proof vehicle used by the Superintendent of Police, Prakasam district, that was badly-damaged in the claymore mine attack in Ongole on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajaekhara Reddy, on Wednesday condemned the mine attack in Ongole and termed it an act of terrorism.

The Chief Minister, who was on a north Telangana tour as part of his Rythu Chaitanya Yatra, called up the Prakasam district SP, Mahesh Chandra Ladda, and conveyed concern over the incident. He sought more details about the incident and asked the police to go on a high alert. He also patted the police force for the deftness with which they were handling the difficult job of anti-naxal operations in the process of maintaining law and order.

Later speaking to The Hindu , the Chief Minister wondered: "Is this a movement aimed at uplifting the downtrodden? The sheer barbarism of the attack makes it nothing short of terrorism. Let all those supporting this brand of naxalism explain to us what this inhuman mine attack means to them. The attack on unarmed civilians and helpless citizens is the single most reprehensible act that we have ever come across. I unequiovocally condemn it."

Reiterating his Government's commitment to the peace process, he said the police were dutybound to protect the lives of the innocents.

Ex gratia announced

The Home Minister, K. Jana Reddy, termed the attempt an "uncivilised and dastardly act." He announced an ex gratia of Rs. 5 lakhs to the kin of the dead.

He said financial assistance would be given to the four persons injured in the incident.

Mr. Reddy appealed to one and all to condemn the incident so that naxalites could realise that their ideology would gain neither strength nor sympathy by such violence but draw public anger.

The attack, he said, was a challenge to people of the State whether a Government elected by them should work or not.

He made it clear that the incident was in no way an obstruction to the talks.

Combing in the area, would however continue.