ITBP Sets Up Fifth Base to Build Chhattisgarh Highway

Abujhmad, also known as the 'unknown territory', is spread across roughly 4,000 sq km in Narayanpur district. The dense forests of this region have historically served as a safe haven for the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) cadres.

Security officials said the Nelangur forward base, set up on Wednesday, marks the completion of a crucial three-month initiative in which ITBP established five Company Operating Bases (COBs) — Mohandi, Kodliyar, Kutul, Bedmakoti, Padamkot, and finally Nelangur — within record time. Officials described this rapid establishment of COBs as unprecedented in Chhattisgarh’s core Naxal-affected region.

The new bases will significantly enhance connectivity between Narayanpur, its neighbouring Kondagaon district, and Maharashtra, enabling development initiatives and bolstering security forces’ operations. "This area, dominated by Maoists for nearly four decades, will now witness improved security and infrastructure development," a senior security official said.

The 40-km corridor connecting Abujhmad and Maharashtra has been a stronghold for key Naxal divisions, including West Bastar, North Bastar, and Maad divisions.

With these new COBs operational, ITBP will secure construction teams and workers on the ambitious Bharatmala infrastructure project, which includes building National Highway 130D. The highway project had been stalled earlier due to the heavy Maoist presence and associated security concerns.

Parallel to ITBP's efforts, the Border Security Force (BSF) has also been establishing similar COBs in northern Narayanpur to enhance connectivity and road access to Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra.

ITBP forces have conducted anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh since 2009, initially deploying in Rajnandgaon and later extending into Narayanpur and Kondagaon districts in 2015.