Raipur, Mar. 2 (ANI): Security forces have seized a huge cache of arms, ammunition and communication equipment from a Maoist hideout in the Narayanpur forest of Chhattisgarh.

Police said on Tuesday that they had recovered pipe bombs, rifles and Maoist uniforms.

The Maoist revolt started in 1967 as a peasant-based uprising in West Bengal’s Naxalbari town, but has now spread to more than 20 out of India’s 28 states.

The rebels have ignored repeated calls to renounce violence and to negotiate. They have stepped up their attacks in recent months, prompting the centre and state governments to go after them jointly.

In response to a ceasefire call by the Maoists, the government said it expected an authentic statement to respond.

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said talks are if the rebels abjure violence. (ANI)