Did Security Forces Just Foil a Major Maoist Plot in Chhattisgarh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security forces seized a significant cache of weapons.
- The operation underscores the ongoing threat of Left-Wing Extremism.
- Vigilant intelligence gathering was key to the operation's success.
- Increased search operations are underway to prevent future threats.
- Collaboration among various forces was pivotal.
Raipur, Dec 21 (NationPress) In a critical setback to Maoist operations, security forces have effectively dismantled a lethal Maoist scheme by seizing a substantial stockpile of explosives and weaponry from a concealed location in the isolated Dadipani hilly region under the Mainpur police jurisdiction in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district.
This site, situated roughly 65 km from the district center and adjacent to the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, was targeted during a carefully orchestrated search mission.
Based on precise intelligence reports, officials discovered that Naxalites affiliated with the Maoist organization’s DGN (district/divisional Gorilla Network) Division had amassed significant quantities of arms and explosives in this challenging landscape, intending to ambush security forces through surprise attacks and IED detonations, according to police sources.
A collaborative team consisting of Gariyaband’s E-30 unit, Special Task Force (STF) 207, CoBRA 16 Battalion, Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF), and the 65th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) executed this extensive operation from December 19 to 20.
Following strict safety protocols, the forces searched dense forests and rocky terrains in the Dadipani hills, as indicated by police officials.
The operation uncovered a disturbing arsenal hidden in plastic drums and steel containers among the rocks.
Items recovered included one company-made mortar, one muzzle-loading gun, 22 mortar shells, 150 detonators, 18 arrow bombs, and various other components essential for creating improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The prompt identification and neutralization of these dangerous weapons significantly disrupted the Maoists’ intentions to harm security personnel patrolling the sensitive border area.
Officials have heralded this recovery as a substantial victory in the ongoing anti-LWE operations, attributing the success to vigilant intelligence gathering and coordinated inter-force collaboration.
Following this development, search efforts in the surrounding regions have been heightened to thwart any resurgence of Maoist activities and to identify further potential hideouts.
The recovered cache highlights the ongoing danger of improvised weaponry in Maoist strategies aimed at undermining peace and development efforts, and underscores the relentless challenges posed by Left-Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh’s forested areas, as security forces continue their commitment to a LWE-free environment.