Centre to boldly confront challenges thrown by Naxalites: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Feb 7 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said the Centre would boldly confront all challenges thrown at it by the Naxalites.

Addressing an internal security meeting of all State Chief Ministers, which was convened by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, Chidambaram urged state governments to talk to Maoists groups.

He further said that all the Naxal-affected areas would be better administered in the future.

Talking about cross border terrorism, Chidambaram said: "We will defeat separatist forces in Jammu and Kashmir."

Further hinting at shortage of police officials in the country, Chidambaram said, "Around one lakh police personnel will be deployed in the next 15 months."

Today's meeting has been called by Dr Singh to discuss internal security and issues related to terrorism.

Meanwhile, Maoists attacks have been reported ahead of a 72-hour shutdown call given by them across the four states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.(ANI)