What Arms and IEDs Were Recovered in Latehar's Anti-Maoist Operation?
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Synopsis
In a recent operation in Jharkhand's Latehar district, security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and IEDs. This operation, following the encounter of a Maoist commander, highlights the ongoing battle against Maoist insurgency. Discover the details of this intense operation and its implications for regional security.
Key Takeaways
- Significant recovery of arms and explosives in Latehar.
- IEDs indicate preparedness of Maoist insurgents.
- Operation follows the killing of high-ranking Maoist leaders.
- Ongoing combing operations to ensure regional security.
- Coordination between multiple police units enhances operational effectiveness.
Latehar (Jharkhand), May 28 (NationPress) In a significant anti-Maoist operation, security forces have unearthed a substantial cache of arms and explosives, including eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs), in the densely forested area of Netarhat within Jharkhand’s Latehar district, as reported on Wednesday.
As per police officials, the Maoist cadres had concealed the IEDs underground in the Tutapani forest and adjacent hilly regions under the jurisdiction of the Netarhat police station, aiming to target security personnel patrolling the vicinity.
Each IED was approximately 0.5 kg in weight and was safely neutralized on-site by the bomb disposal squad, according to police.
This discovery coincided with an ongoing operation initiated following an encounter on May 26, during which the Maoist commander Manish Yadav, who had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, was killed.
In the same operation, zonal commander Kundan Kherwar, with a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his capture, was arrested.
Following the encounter, Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav ordered a large-scale cordon-and-search operation in the area.
Acting on intelligence reports, joint teams from Manika and Garu police stations, along with personnel from the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) B Set-147, conducted an extensive search of the area.
Latehar police announced that the recoveries during the operation included a 7.62 mm rifle, a 9 mm carbine, forty live cartridges of 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm, seventy-nine live cartridges of 9 mm, four SLR rifle magazines, four magazines of 9 mm carbine, a magazine cover for a 9 mm firearm, military-grade pouches, rifle cleaning rods and oil, and a Motorola wireless communication set.
The items recovered indicate the level of preparation the Maoist squad operating in the area had undertaken.
During May 26-27, security forces in the Hussainabad subdivision of the adjacent Palamu district also eliminated another prominent Maoist leader, Tulsi Bhuiyan. An SLR rifle and additional arms were seized from that operation as well.
Authorities have confirmed that search and combing operations will persist in both districts to eliminate any remaining presence of Maoists and dismantle their logistical support networks.
Point of View
The recent operations in Jharkhand illustrate the government's commitment to tackling Maoist insurgency. The recovery of arms and IEDs not only highlights the preparedness of security forces but also raises concerns about the operational capabilities of Maoist factions in the region. Continuous efforts are vital to ensure public safety and dismantle these insurgent networks effectively.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of weapons were recovered in the operation?
The operation resulted in the recovery of a 7.62 mm rifle, a 9 mm carbine, various live cartridges, magazines, and military-grade equipment.
Why was the operation conducted?
The operation was initiated following an encounter where a Maoist commander was killed, prompting authorities to search for remaining insurgent threats.
What is the significance of the IEDs found?
The recovered IEDs indicate the level of threat posed to security personnel and the preparedness of Maoist groups in the area.
How are security forces responding to the Maoist threat?
Security forces are conducting extensive cordon-and-search operations to neutralize any remaining insurgent presence and dismantle their networks.
What was the outcome of the operations in Palamu district?
In Palamu, security forces also eliminated another top Maoist leader and seized weapons, indicating a broader crackdown on Maoist activities.
