Raipur/Sukma, Dec 31 (NationPress) In a major triumph in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism, security forces have inflicted a serious setback on Maoists operating in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh.

During an extensive search mission in the thick forests near Ursangal camp, troops discovered a substantial hidden stash of weapons and ammunition that had been stored by Maoists for planned large-scale attacks.

Following specific intelligence regarding suspicious Maoist activities and hidden arms in the vicinity, joint teams of security personnel established a cordon around the area and initiated a meticulous combing operation.

Deep within the forest, they found a Maoist hideout where insurgents had concealed their arsenal, apparently preparing to use it against security forces or for larger schemes, officials revealed.

The discovered items included five locally manufactured weapons: one bolt-action rifle, three muzzle-loading guns, and one 12-bore single-barreled rifle. More importantly, over 500 live cartridges were seized, consisting of 150 SLR rounds (7.62 mm), 150 INSAS rifle rounds (5.56 mm), and 100 .303 rifle rounds, along with a magazine, as reported by officials.

Officials characterized the haul as a substantial blow to the banned CPI (Maoist) group, emphasizing that the variety of ammunition suggests attempts to equip multiple units for synchronized attacks.

"This recovery has significantly disrupted their logistical capabilities and has thwarted potential ambushes on our forces," stated a senior police officer.

Following this success, search operations have been escalated in surrounding areas to find and dismantle other potential caches or camps.

Sukma remains one of the most affected districts in the Bastar region, but persistent 'anti-Naxal' campaigns have led to a decrease in Maoist influence in recent times. This operation highlights the efficacy of intelligence-led actions in diminishing the insurgents' firepower while ongoing efforts aim to foster development and peace within tribal communities.

In addition to kinetic victories, a notable increase in surrenders, surpassing 1,500 in Bastar—including a mass surrender of 210 in October in Abujhmad and North Bastar—demonstrated declining morale amid rehabilitation incentives under initiatives like Poona Margham.

Proclamations of Maoist-free zones in Abujhmad and North Bastar, along with the establishment of 52 new forward operating bases, have facilitated deeper incursions into historical strongholds.

Record-breaking weapon recoveries, with hundreds of firearms and IEDs confiscated, have further disrupted logistics.

As incidents of violence have decreased and development has reached remote tribal regions, 2025 has seen the insurgency confined to isolated pockets, bringing the government's March 2026 target for a 'Naxal-free' India tantalizingly within reach.