Security forces bust Maoist arms factory in Chhattisgarh's Bastar
Raipur/Sukma, Dec 22
In a significant blow to Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, security forces have dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing facility operated by Naxals in the forested hills near Meenagatta village in Sukma district, said the officials on Monday.
Based on precise intelligence, a joint team from the 150th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the district police launched a targeted operation, completely neutralising the clandestine unit.
The facility was actively used by Maoists to produce weapons and ammunition, with the explicit aim of targeting security personnel and intensifying armed activities in this Naxal-affected hotspot.
During the raid, authorities recovered a substantial haul of arms, explosives, and manufacturing equipment.
Items seized 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 other materials, Maoist uniforms, and propaganda literature.
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran G. Chavan hailed the operation as a major disruption to the Maoists' logistical network. "The swift action of our forces has prevented potential attacks and dealt a severe setback to their capabilities," he stated.
The SP reaffirmed the police's commitment to eradicating Naxal violence, noting that since January 2024, a total of 599 Maoists have surrendered, 460 have been arrested, and 71 neutralised in the Sukma district alone.
This success forms part of the intensified anti-Naxal operations across Chhattisgarh, where security forces are systematically dismantling insurgent infrastructure to restore peace in the Bastar division.
No casualties were reported among the personnel, who returned safely after securing the area.
Ongoing searches continue to eliminate any remaining threats in the region.
The bust highlights the declining strength of the Maoist network, as surrendered cadres increasingly provide crucial intelligence, further isolating the insurgents in their former strongholds.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I'm glad for the successful operation, my heart goes out to the people of Bastar. They've lived in fear for decades. The real victory will be when development reaches these areas—schools, hospitals, roads—so that youth don't get lured by this ideology in the first place.
The numbers are telling: 599 surrendered, 460 arrested. This shows the movement is crumbling from within. Surrendered cadres providing intel is key. Hope they are properly rehabilitated and given a chance at a normal life.
As someone who has worked with NGOs in tribal areas, this is a complex issue. Security is vital, but so is addressing the root causes—land rights, forest rights, and exploitation. The government needs a twin strategy: firm on security, compassionate on development.
"No casualties among personnel" - This is the best part of the report. Our forces used precise intelligence and executed flawlessly. Kudos to the team! Let's hope this momentum continues and peace is restored in Bastar soon.
The list of seized items is chilling—detonators, explosives, rifles. It's a stark reminder of the threat that exists. The police and CRPF are doing a tough, thankless job. We should support them fully.
N Nisha Z