New Delhi, July 22 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said the Centre has directed States to take action against manufactures of illegal weapons and ammunition, as some of this is being accessed by Naxalites and other militant groups.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Chidambaram said there were some reports about arms and ammunition manufacturing units in some states, and the Home Ministry has directed such states to take stringent action.

He also said that no sate has filed its official report about the action taken against such units.

Militants have access to illegal arms and they loot armouries. It is a grave problem and the ministry is taking every step to address it seriously, Chidambaram told the House.

Chidambaram also expressed concern over the smuggling of weapons into the country from across borders, especially in the North Eastern region. (ANI)