Gadchiroli district and four talukas in Gondia remain 'Naxal-infested': Govt

Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) The entire Gadchiroli district and four talukas in Gondia remain "Naxal-infested", according to the Maharashtra government.

The Naxal tag has raised eyebrows as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had declared part of Gadchiroli "free of Maoist activities" over five months ago and asserted south Gadchiroli would soon be rid of the Maoist menace.

A government resolution (GR) on Friday stated Gondia, Salekasa, Devri, and Arjuni Morgaon talukas in Gondia district and the entire Gadchiroli district are Naxal-infested.

It said the declaration is based on the Central government's list of Naxal-affected areas.

Gadchiroli is often referred to as the last district of Maharashtra as it is on the state's eastern border.

After felicitating C 60 commandos in January, Fadnavis said Maharashtra will soon become free of Naxal menace given the rise in the number of Maoists laying down their arms and the movement failing to attract recruits.

"Gadchiroli Police almost eradicated Naxal activities in the district. North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoist activities, and south Gadchiroli will soon become free from Naxals," he had told reporters, claiming that the dominance of Naxalites in remote areas of Gadchiroli district was waning.

The government has started the process to make Gadchrioli the "first district" by eliminating the dominance of Maoists, he said. PTI MR NSK