Bastar (Chhattisgarh): Naxalites are using state-of-the-art weapons during encounters in different areas of the division in the past two years. Confirming this Inspector General of Police in Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam said that Naxalites have been using sophisticated weapons during encounters in different areas of the division. The most sophisticated weapon used by the insurgents has been Barrel Grenade Launchers (BGL).
However, so far the most lethal weapon for attack on police by Naxalites still continues to be IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and indigenous rocket launchers. The Bastar IG further said that the lower cadres of Naxals are provided 12 bore guns during encounters and that modern weapons are provided to higher ranks.
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Three years ago, the police forces in insurgent affected states had to adopt BGLs to beef up security in the Naxal infested region. This state-of-the-art weapon was given to the CRPF personnel as well as the DRG personnel of the District Police Force. But unfortunately, Naxalites have ambushed the security forces in several encounters and looted state-of-the-art weapons like BGL, AK-47 and SLR.
The Naxals have now trained in the usage of these modern weapons are using them to target security forces, police say.
According to the IG, the Naxalites in Narayanpur had recently attacked a police camp using BGL and indigenous rocket launchers in large numbers.
Although many of these bombs had failed to explode, it was the BGL that had inflicted damage to the soldiers and the camp. The intelligence department of the police has also gathered information about the construction of BGL making factory in the dense forests of the Naxal belt, the IG said, adding, that it is a cause of major concern for the security forces.
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