Malkangiri: Security forces in Malkangiri district unearthed an arms dump of Maoists leading to seizure of a huge cache of explosives from a forested area on Sunday.
The dump was unearthed during an intensive search operation by Border Security Force (BSF) troops from the Jantri Company Operating Base along with the Special Action Team (SAT) of the 177th Battalion .
The BSF troops have seized 56 gelatin sticks, 13 electric detonators, bundles of cordtex and electric wire, batteries, and Maoist literature, among other materials from the arms dump which was located near the road between Aralipada and Taber, under the jurisdiction of Jodambo police station. Following the discovery, the BSF has intensified combing and search operations in the region to locate any further hidden dumps.
The operation aligns with recent directives from high-ranking officials, including the Director General of Odisha Police, the Special Director General (SDG) of BSF Anti-Naxal Operations from Raipur, and the Inspector General of BSF Frontier Headquarters. During their recent visit to Malkangiri, they emphasized the need for intensified anti-Maoist measures to curtail insurgent activities in the area.
Malkangiri district has been a significant Maoist stronghold for over a decade, with insurgents and sympathizers utilizing the region for refuge, storing arms, and assembling explosives. The area has also seen frequent planting of IEDs and traps aimed at security personnel. The BSF’s continuous operations are helping to secure the area, providing reassurance to local residents and disrupting Maoist activity.
The recent arms seizure is expected to impact Maoist sympathizers in the region and motivate security forces to continue intensifying their operations against the insurgents, noted an official press release from the BSF on Monday.
