Govt to reassert authority in Maoist areas: Chidambaram

Maoist affected states have decided to coordinate actions to reassert authority over the rebel hit regions, Home minister P Chidambaram said. Chidambaram, who chaired a meeting with top officials of Orissa, Maharashtra Chhattisgarh along with officials of paramilitary forces in Raipur, said that their objective is not to wage a battle against the rebels but just to reassert civil administration in the areas. Chidambaram reaffirmed that the government is open to talks only if the Maoists abjure violence.