Raipur, March 29 -- Former Chhattisgarh Deputy General Police (DGP) DM Awasthi on Sunday lauded the initiatives by the BJP government to end Naxalism, stating that it brought several affected areas closer to normalcy.

Speaking with ANI on the deadline of March 31st set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to end Naxalism, Awasthi said that it showcases the "strong will" of the government and motivates the security forces.

"The deadline motivated and provided a goal to the forces and showcased the strong will of the Home Minister. Its consequence has been that we are seeing Naxalism on the verge of extinction today...and that Bastar and other Naxal-affected areas are inching towards normalcy...," he said.

Re...