New Delhi, March 11 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday condemned the Maoist attack on security personnel in Chhattisgarh and said such attacks "must be put down with a firm hand".

In a message to Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt, Mukherjee said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the attack.

"Terror and violence have no place in a civilised society. Such random attacks on security forces performing their duty must be put down with a firm hand," he said.

"In this moment of grief, I offer my most profound condolences to the grieving families of the victims. I call upon the state government to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured," he added.

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured people."

Fifteen security men and a civilian were killed Tuesday when an estimated 300 Maoist guerrillas ambushed a patrol party of 50-55 paramilitary personnel and police on a remote stretch of a forested road in Gheeram Ghati.

The place is a short distance from the spot where Maoists massacred 27 people, including senior state Congress leaders, in May, 2013.