Raipur, Jan 11 : Chhattisgarh will focus on strengthening security and building infrastructure in Maoist-hit areas to maintain law and order, Governor E. S. L. Narasimhan said Monday.

"The state government is making continuous efforts to increase security forces and develop necessary infrastructure, particularly in the Maoist-affected areas, to effectively maintain law and order," he told the state assembly on the opening day of the budget session.

Amid thumping of desks by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, Narasimhan said the state government has sanctioned 23 new police stations for leftist violence-hit areas and four outposts have been upgraded to regular police stations.

"Let's hope that the New Year will bring an end to the Maoist menace and lead to re-construction of the affected areas," the governor said. (IANS)