Have Security Forces Successfully Dismantled a Maoist Arms Factory in Chhattisgarh's Bastar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Successful operation against Maoist arms manufacturing.
- Significant cache of weapons and explosives seized.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of security forces in combating insurgency.
- Continued commitment to eradicating Naxal violence.
- Increased collaboration between CRPF and local police.
Raipur/Sukma, Dec 22 (NationPress) In a major setback to the Maoist insurgency in the Bastar area of Chhattisgarh, security forces have successfully shut down an illegal arms manufacturing operation run by Naxals in the wooded hills near Meenagatta village in the Sukma district, officials reported on Monday.
Acting on accurate intelligence, a combined unit from the 150th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and district police executed a well-planned operation, effectively neutralizing the underground facility.
This site was actively utilized by Maoists for the production of weapons and ammunition, specifically aimed at attacking security forces and escalating their armed activities in this Naxal-affected region.
During the operation, law enforcement recovered a significant cache of arms, explosives, and manufacturing tools.
The seized items included eight single-shot rifles, 15 12-bore cartridges, five electric detonators, 30 meters of Cordex wire, two kg of PEK explosives, one kg of ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil), 10 kg of ammonium nitrate, eight wireless VHF sets, one welding machine, along with various other materials, Maoist uniforms, and propaganda documents.
Sukma's Superintendent of Police, Kiran G. Chavan, lauded the operation as a significant disruption to the Maoists' supply chain. “The rapid response of our forces has thwarted potential assaults and delivered a serious blow to their operational capabilities,” he remarked.
The SP reiterated the police's dedication to wiping out Naxal violence, revealing that since January 2024, a total of 599 Maoists have surrendered, 460 have been arrested, and 71 have been neutralized in the Sukma district alone.
This achievement is part of the intensified anti-Naxal initiatives across Chhattisgarh, where security forces are systematically dismantling insurgent infrastructures to restore peace in the Bastar division.
No casualties were reported among the personnel, who returned safely after securing the area.
Ongoing searches are being conducted to eliminate any remaining threats in the vicinity.
This operation underscores the diminishing strength of the Maoist network, as surrendered members increasingly provide valuable intelligence, further isolating the insurgents in their former strongholds.