Capt Amarinder announces Rs 5 lakh for Punjab soldier killed in Sukma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 25

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the next of kin of the Punjab soldier who was among the 25 CRPF personnel killed in the Sukma Naxal attack yesterday.

The compensation amount will be handed over to the family of the martyred soldier, Inspector Raghbir Singh, an official spokesperson said here.

Inspector Raghbir Singh, a native of Sathiala village in Amritsar, was part of the 74th Battallion of CRPF, which was targeted in one of the worst ever Maoist attacks in Burkapal area of south Sukma district of Chhatisgarh.

Expressing grief at the senseless act of violence, Captain Amarinder urged the Central government to work on a comprehensive policy to deal with the Naxal problem.

Naxalite violence has escalated in recent years, claiming many innocent lives, with security forces often forced to bear the brunt of their actions, the Chief Minister observed, adding that his government would support any efforts to tackle the issue.