Bihar sounds high alert as Special Task Force seizes Maoist arms

NAWADA: Bihar has sounded a high alert following Naxal attacks in Chhattisgarh and seizure of sophisticated arms, ammunition by the Special Task Force of Bihar Police from several districts in the state.

Inspector General (Operations) Sushil M Khopde said, "We have declared a high alert following the attacks on security forces in Chhattisgarh in which 13 jawans died and several others were injured. The morale of Maoists naturally increases after any success against security forces."

The alert also follows seizure of an INSAS rifle, a carbine, two grenades, six magazines, 140 bullets, walkie-talkie and police uniform from what could be either a training camp or arms hideout of Maoists from Kauakol area in Nawada district today.

"STF teams from Patna and Jamui were sent for the operation. Two persons have also been detained in the connection. They are being interrogated and their identities are being verified to ascertain whether they have anything to do with the Maoists," Khopde said.

The STF had yesterday unearthed 60 landmines connected together, spread across 600 metres long stretch in Munger to target security forces patrolling the area. A Maoist was also arrested in Vaishali district yesterday with four pistols and a rifle.

"Yesterday, our men had foiled an attempt to target forces here by recovering 60 landmines connected together over a stretch of 600 metres," Khopde added.

The IG said the Maoists planted the landmines over such a long stretch because the security forces have resorted to patrolling on foot.

"Vehicles are easy to target, so we have resorted to foot patrol. The jawans walk in single file with sufficient gap and spread over a long area to avoid the chance of all of them coming under attack. Seeing this, the Maoists spread the landmines over such a long stretch," he said.

Strict vigil is being maintained across the state to check any attacks by Maoists, the IG said.