In the biggest arms haul in Andhra Pradesh, the police have seized 600 rocket launchers in Mahabubnagar district meant to be used by Maoist extremists.
The weapons were recovered late on Thursday from a warehouse of a transport company at Atchampet, about 150 km from here. A man was arrested in this connection.
According to the police, the rocket missiles, which were ready to be filled with explosives, were meant to be transported to Nallamalla forests, the stronghold of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist.
Many Maoists including their top leaders are believed to be hiding in the dense forests spread over five districts including Mahabubnagar.
Police said the rocket missiles could be fired at targets at a distance of one kilometre.
Home Minister K Jana Reddy described the recovery as "a huge success" for police and intelligence agencies.
"This shows that the intelligence and police have stepped up their vigilance," he said here.
The seizure follows the killing in July of a Maoist leader and seven other extremists in the Nallamalla forests of Prakasam district.
Maoist violence has claimed over 6,000 lives in the state over the last three decades including those of 2,500 civilians, policemen and politicians.
{{/usCountry}}Maoist violence has claimed over 6,000 lives in the state over the last three decades including those of 2,500 civilians, policemen and politicians.
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