MP STF steps up drive to track source of Maoists explosives amid continuing operations

By a Staff Reporter: After recent success against the Maoists in Kanha and Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh STF has stepped up intelligence to track the source of arms and explosives of the ultras. Sources revealed that Maoists have stockpiled large quantities of explosives, arms and ammunition deep inside the jungles. 

Intelligence inputs indicated that Maoists are regrouping inside the Mandla and Kanha Forest to retaliate. According to initial information, Maoists usually look for gelatine sticks and allied materials which are usually used to dig bore wells. The gelatine sticks are also used in mines. 

The Mandla region and Chhattisgarh has a large number of mines. Police informed that Maoists cadres usually loot the gelatine sticks from the mines. “They also force tube well contractors to part with explosives”, a senior police officer said. Police intelligence indicated that Maoists had looted two truckloads of explosives meant for local mines in Balaghat region in 2002. Although MP police subsequently carried out operations to recover some portion of the explosives, a major portion is still in the hands of the Maoists and they have been using those over the last two decades. 

“We will continue with our operations against the Maoists. Our officers are currently working on specific intelligence inputs”, additional director general of STF, MP Police, Pankaj Srivastava said.