What Weapons Were Unearthed from Maoist Hideouts in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hazaribagh is becoming a focal point in the fight against Maoist insurgency.
- Security forces are working collaboratively through joint operations.
- Intelligence is crucial for preemptive actions against Maoist activities.
- The ongoing 'Resistance Week' poses a threat of retaliation from Maoists.
- Continuous operations are essential to dismantle the insurgency's infrastructure.
Hazaribagh, Oct 13 (NationPress) – In a significant development, police and security personnel in Hazaribagh district have uncovered a substantial stockpile of arms and materials associated with Maoist activities during a coordinated operation in the forest regions near the Hazaribagh-Bokaro border, as confirmed by officials.
This operation, executed early on Monday by a combined team from the Hazaribagh district police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was initiated based on precise intelligence indicating that a faction of Maoists was stationed in the thick forests, planning a substantial attack in the area.
During the operation, the teams successfully recovered two self-loading rifles (SLRs), multiple magazines, a significant number of live cartridges, backpacks, Maoist uniforms, various documents, and additional logistical support items utilized by the insurgents.
Officials reported that the weapons cache was discovered concealed within a makeshift shelter deep in the woods, which is believed to have served as a temporary refuge for members of the CPI (Maoist).
The Maoists are said to have escaped the location upon becoming aware of the advancing security personnel.
This recovery coincides with heightened security measures throughout Jharkhand as the CPI (Maoist) observes a ‘Resistance Week’ from October 8 to 14, in protest against the recent fatalities of several of their cadres during police encounters.
Intelligence reports had cautioned that Maoists might seek revenge during this timeframe.
In a previous joint operation in September within the Barkatha-Gorhar police station jurisdiction, three Maoists were neutralized, including the notorious Sahdev Soren alias Pravesh, a top rebel with a bounty of ₹1 crore.
Police officials stated that ongoing intensified operations are being conducted in the forested areas of Hazaribagh, Chatra, and Bokaro to dismantle Maoist hideouts, disrupt supply lines, and neutralize armed squads.
“Thanks to persistent joint operations and enhanced coordination between state police and the CRPF, Naxal activities in this area have seen a notable decrease,” remarked an official.
Security forces are persistently conducting combing operations in the vicinity to locate Maoists and ensure comprehensive sanitization of the forested stretch.