Operation ‘Octopus’: Naxal stronghold of Burha Pahar falls

‘Operation Octopus’ – the joint operation launched by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Jaguar in September this year to capture the Naxal hold ‘Burha Pahar’ hilly range in Garhwa district of Jharkhand become successful. With security forces setting up their camps, the region is witnessing development.

From the construction of roads to infrastructure for the supply of electricity in remote places, a series of development projects have been started. Inspector General of Police (Jharkhand sector) Amit Kumar said ‘Operation Octopus’ launched by CRPF and Jharkhand Jaguar – a special task force of Jharkhand Police, in September this year to capture Naxal bastion ‘Burha Pahar’, has been successful.

According to officials, the ‘Burha Pahar’ hilly forest terrain is spread over a 55 sq km area bordering three states – Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar – and was used as a corridor by Naxals. ‘Burhan Pahar’ region stretches across three districts – Balrampur, Latehar and Garwah – along Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand border.

It was a stronghold of the Naxals led by their leader Arvind. In 2008, five security personnel lost their lives when the forces tried to penetrate the hilly forest range. The main operation was launched on September 4 and the security forces took over Burha Pahar on September 7.