Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis stated on Wednesday that Maharashtra is moving towards being free of Naxalism, with Maoist cadres surrendering to the police and the outlawed movement failing to attract new recruits, news agency PTI reported.

During his visit to Gadchiroli, Fadnavis told reporters that the influence of Naxalites in the district’s remote areas is diminishing, and he welcomed the decision of top Naxal cadres to lay down their arms and turn themselves in.