Raipur, April 13 -- Emphasising the importance of eradicating Naxalism for the state's overall progress, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao underscored the government's ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in Naxal-affected regions.

Speaking to ANI, Sao stated that in the last 14 months,380 naxals have been encountered, 1200 naxals have been arrested, and 1100 naxals have surrendered.

Sao asserted that Naxalism was nearly eradicated during former Chief Minister Raman Singh's tenure, but alleged that its resurgence began after the Congress government came to power.

"Our governments have struggled for years against naxalism. Surguja, including Bastar, was affected by naxalism when our government was first formed in 200...