Patna, Jan 21 (IANS): Security forces have recovered 70 hand grenades during search operations in a Bihar district, police said Tuesday.

In Munger, police recovered 70 hand grenades near Paisra during search operations against Maoists, a district police official said.

Explosives were also recovered from Jamui district.

Jitendra Rana, superintendent of police, Jamui district said that during a search operation against Maoists in Bhimbandh forest a joint police team of CRPF and police recovered 25 land mines and explosive material for making bombs.

The district is considered to be a stronghold of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist. However, no one has been arrested in this regard.

Bihar police have launched operations against Maoists after an intelligence alert that Maoist guerrillas may launch attacks ahead of Republic Day.

"We have intensified combing operations against Maoists in the state," a senior police official said.