February 13, 2025, marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to
effectively suppress the Maoist insurgency in the general area of Silakota Reserve Forest
along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, acting swiftly on specific intelligence, BSF
troops from the 02 Bn BSF executed a meticulously planned operation with resounding
success, near village Silakota, GP-Bapanpalli under PS Limits of Podia, Malkangiri.
During the operation, BSF personnel meticulously combed the area, navigating
through challenging terrain until they discovered multiple Maoist dumps, at four different
sites (03 underneath the stone cavities and 01 underneath a twin tree), closely located to
each other (within a distance of 50 metres), in the extent of Silakota Reserve Forest. The
cache included weapons, IEDs concealed to inflict damage to SF operating in the area,
underscoring the gravity of the threat posed in the region. The discovery not only dealt a
decisive blow to Maoist activities but also disrupted their supply chains and potential for
future attacks. The operation exemplifies BSF’s unwavering commitment to maintaining
peace and security in border areas vulnerable to extremist activities. BSF has been
carrying out relentless operations in highly Naxal affected district of Malkangiri in South
Odisha. Such recoveries would certainly dent Maoist strategy and dampen their spirits to
take on ever-growing dominance of Security Forces. Following IEDs, weapons &
explosives were recovered from the multiple Maoist dumps:-
Details of Seizure articles Quantity
1. Pressure Cooker IED(5 Litres)attached with electric Detonator
(Approx- 5 Kgs)
2. Tiffin IED(05 litre) attached with electric detonator
(Approx- 5 Kgs)
3. Tiffin IED(3 litres) (Approx- 3 Kgs) 01 No
4. Tiffin IED(2litres) (Approx- 2 Kgs) 01 No
5. Electric Detonator 03 Nos
6. Electric Wire 11 Mtrs
7. Mobile Phone/Brand-LYF (Rusty) 01 No
8. Power Bank(Brand/Riviera10000 mAH) (Rusty) 01 No
9. SBML Gun with Sling (01 in dilapidated condition) 02 Nos
10 SBML Gun without Sling (Dilapidated condition) 01 No
The Silakota Reserve Forest area has long been known as stronghold for Maoist
activities. Earlier these area used to be highly influenced by Maoists and their
sympathizers. The Maoist outfits would keep IEDs, Arms & IED making materials at
isolated places to be used against the SFs/Police operating in these areas. BSF is actively
operating in Malkangiri district and extensively dominating the area. In the wake of
recovery, further combing and search operations would continue to make the area safe for
SFs as well as for the inhabitants of the area. The successful operation underscores BSF’s
alongwith Odisha Police resolve to eliminate the Maoist threat and ensure the safety and
security of local communities.