Huge cache of naxal arms seized in Jharkhand stronghold

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) In a major success against naxal extremism, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recovered two quintals of explosives, 12 looted police rifles, and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition in the naxal stronghold of Lathehar in Jharkhand.

In a joint operation with the Jharkhand police, the CRPF raided in Lathehar under Balunath police station following a tip-off, said I G (Operations) A P Maheshwari.

''Besides, cash, literature and several detonators were also seized during the raids along with a sten gun and a large cache of country-made weapons,'' he added.

The rifles, belonging to the state police jawans, and the explosives were hidden in eight water tanks, he said adding that search operations were on and more seizures were likely.

''We are putting pressure on naxals in both Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh areas. In recent days we have got good success in Lathehar-Palamu-Garhwa belt which was a naxal stronghold,'' said Mr Maheshwari.

On May 12, on the Lathehar-Garhwa border, five naxals were killed in an encounter with the CRPF.

Since the beginning of the month, in all 59 naxalites have been liquidated and over 100 kg explosives, along with some 500 detonators, seized.

UNI