At least 15 Maoists lay down arms in Gadchiroli

At least 15 Maoist cadres have laid down their arms in Maharashtra in the presence of the state's home minister, Raosaheb Ramrao Patil.

Patil felicitated the Maoists, gave them compensation packages and promised to amend the surrender policy to ensure more people come forward.

"We are going to amend the surrender policy to provide more facilities and security so that more Maoists could surrender. Nearly 15 (Maoists laid their arms)," Patil said.

Maoists, also known as Naxals, have killed police and politicians, and targeted government buildings and railway tracks in an insurgency that has killed thousands since 1960s.

The rebels are estimated to number 7000 hardcore fighters in nearly a third of the countrys' 630 districts.