Jagdalpur, April 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid tributes to the security personnel martyred in the Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma on Sunday.

Upon reaching here this morning, Mr. Shah, accompanied by state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, headed straight to the Police Line where he laid wreaths at the coffins of the jawans who lost their lives in the Saturday encounter.

Apart from the security advisor of the Union Home Ministry Vijay Kumar, senior officers of central forces and Chhattisgarh Director General of Police DM Awasthi were also present on the occasion. Besides, the families of several martyrs were also in attendance.

As a mark of respect to the departed security personnel, a two-minute silence was observed following which the mortal remains were sent to their respective hometowns. Prominent people of political parties were also present on the occasion.

Twenty-two soldiers were martyred in the encounter that took place in Bijapur on Saturday. One of the jawans is said to be missing.

As many as 31 soldiers were injured in the attack and are undergoing treatment in Raipur and Bijapur.

Mr. Shah will reportedly hold a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister, Union Home Secretary, Security Advisor of Ministry of Home Affairs, Director General of Central Forces posted in Bastar, DG Awasthi, and Special Director General of Naxal Operations Ashok Juneja besides other top officials over the attack.

After this meeting, Mr. Shah, accompanied by the Chief Minister will visit the CRPF Camp in Basanguda, Ghur Naxal area of Bijapur district, and have lunch with CRPF and state police personnel there.

From here, he will proceed for the capital Raipur to enquire about the critically injured soldiers admitted to three different hospitals and thereafter leave for Delhi. (UNI)