Odia among 9 CRPF jawans killed in Sukma Naxal attack

Bhubaneswar: One of the nine CRPF jawans killed in the deadly Naxal attack in Sukma district of neighbouring Chhattisgarh on Tuesday has been identified as an Odia hailing from Brahmagiri in Puri district.

The martyred jawan has been identified as Manoranjan Lenka of Rebana Nuagaon under Brahmagiri block of Puri district. He was a jawan of the 212 Battalion of the CRPF.

The jawans of the paramilitary force, including Lenka, were reportedly attacked when they were on their way from Kistaram to Palodi, conducting an area-domination operation.

As per reports, the red rebels detonated multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to blow up the anti-landmine vehicle the jawans were travelling in.

While eight of the 11 jawans died on the spot, one of the injured men died while being airlifted to Raipur for treatment, sources said.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack on jawans by the naxals.

Strongly condemn the attack on @crpfindia jawans in #Sukma, Chhattisgarh. My deepest condolences to the families of Odia jawan Manoranjan Lenka and all the brave personnel who lost their lives in the blast and wishing speedy recovery of those injured

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 13, 2018

Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, condeming the attack, highlighted the need for upgradation of equipment of paramilitary forces deployed in the naxal-infested areas.

??Om Shanti..
If it was indeed an anti-landmine vehicle, then alternatives must now be thought of. So far air power not used bcz of stigma against using airforce/army against citizens. But thr's nothing to say paralitary/police can't get attack (not just transport) helicopters? https://t.co/wYt9JtkJRH

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) March 13, 2018