Raipur, May 26 (IANS): India needs to be more determined in fighting extremism, and the efforts of those who have lost their lives in this fight should not go in vain, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sunday.

"We have to be more determined in fighting Naxal extremism. These lives should not go in vain," he said while referring to the Maoist attack on a Congress party convoy in Chhattisgarh Saturday evening that left at least 16 dead, including two senior Congress leaders, and 25 people injured.

"This incident should be treated as an inspiration in our fight against forces of extremism and violence," he said at a condolence meeting in Raipur.

He added that Naxalism was a big challenge before the country. "I pray for the souls of the departed. May God give their family members strength in this moment of grief," he said.

On the request for extra forces sought by the state government, the prime minister said he has briefly spoken to Chief Minister Raman Singh in this regard and assured him all help.