Security forces recover Chinese arms from Naxals, militants

NEW DELHI: Security forces have seized 200 Chinese small arms from Naxal, militant and insurgent groups operating in the country strengthening the government's point of view that arms from that country were being used by Left wing extremists.

Out of the 164 arms seized last year and 182 such recoveries in 2007, security forces have recovered at least 200 Chinese-made pistols, revolvers and mousers, an official data of central security forces said.

Arms from Pakistan, South Africa and Israel have also been recovered.

According to the official data, 87 Chinese-made revolvers were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces during the last year.

In the North-East, the forces recovered 113 arms in 2008 while 118 such seizures were made in 2007 which include Chinese pistols, Belgian-made gas guns and US-made carbines.

Naxals are using foreign country-made arms, especially from China and the US, frequently, the report states.

Maoist groups in Bihar, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh are using more foreign small arms, including from China, as compared to states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh where they use more of local arms, it says.

The report also states that Russian-made AK series guns are most popular among the Maoists. 92 AK-47's, 18 AK-56, Pakistan-made Pica guns and Israeli sniper guns have been recovered by security forces during the last year, it says.