India, Nov. 24 -- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Sunday sharply criticised former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh for questioning the encounter in which Chhattisgarh's most wanted Naxalite, Hidma, was killed. Yadav said it was "deeply unfortunate" that a senior leader would cast doubt on an operation carried out by security forces fighting one of the country's most violent extremist movements.

In a video statement, Yadav said, "It is a matter of great regret that former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh appears to stand with Naxal elements when the nation is fighting against them. Calling the encounter fake is extremely disappointing, especially when many Congress leaders themselves have been victims of Naxal violence."

The...