Naxal weapon dump found in Chhattisgarh’s Kachchapal forest in police-BSF operation

Raipur/Narayanpur, July 17 (IANS) In a significant boost to anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, Narayanpur Police along with the 58th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully recovered a concealed weapon dump belonging to Naxals during a joint search operation on Friday.

The coordinated effort was carried out in the dense forests under the Kohkameta police station area, aimed at strengthening security in the district’s Naxal-free zones and preventing the resurgence of extremist activities.

Acting on specific intelligence, the security personnel launched an intensive search in the Kachchapal forest region. After thorough combing, the teams discovered a well-hidden cache of arms and ammunition that Naxals had reportedly stashed away for future use.

The recovery marks another success in the sustained campaign to cleanse the area of leftover war material from earlier insurgent operations.

The police officials informed that items seized included one .303 rifle, one .315 rifle, and a locally made barrel launcher. Security forces also recovered 17 live cartridges of .303 bore, 10 live cartridges of 7.62 mm, and four 12-bore cartridges. Also, an empty .303 magazine, two cartridge fillers, and three .303 tracer rods were found at the site.

All the recovered materials have been carefully seized and handed over for further examination.

A formal case has been registered at the Kohkameta police station, and legal proceedings against the Naxal operatives involved are underway, the officials further said.

The police officials said the continued vigilance of Narayanpur Police and central security forces in the region will be maintained and even intensified.

For several months now, joint teams have been conducting regular and intensive search operations across the district’s vulnerable pockets. These proactive measures have led to the consistent recovery of weapons, explosives, and other contraband previously hidden by Naxal groups.

By systematically eliminating these hidden arsenals, the forces are not only disrupting potential militant activities but also reinforcing the atmosphere of peace and normalcy that residents have been experiencing in recent times.

Senior officials have praised the seamless coordination between the district police and the BSF unit, noting that such joint operations play a crucial role in maintaining law and order.

Local administration remains committed to sustaining pressure on anti-national elements while simultaneously focusing on development initiatives to win the trust of tribal communities.

The successful operation in Kachchapal forest is expected to further deter Naxal outfits from using the area as a safe haven for storing arms.

As security forces continue their pursuit, authorities have appealed to locals to share any relevant information that could help in neutralising remaining threats.

With multiple such recoveries reported in the recent past, Narayanpur district is steadily moving towards complete eradication of Naxal influence, paving the way for lasting peace and progress in the region.

–IANS

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