New Delhi, Jan 1 : Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said that it would take another two to three years to curb the Maoist menace.

He expressed concern over the situation in the Maoist infested areas in the eastern region and said that despite the deployment of the paramilitary forces, the State governments have failed to contain the movement of the Maoists.

"It will take around two to three years to contain Maoist menace. What we are doing now is to get out of the mode of denial and engage Maoists and take resolute measures to tackle the menace of Maoists. That has just begun. It will take two to three years to contain the Maoists," said Chidambaram.

On the developments in the northeastern states, Chidambaram noted that as far as militancy of ULFA is concerned the government has made significant gains.

"Militancy in the North East is indeed continuing in Assam and Manipur, but as far as ULFA is concerned we have made significant gains. All but two or three are in custody and we have offered talks to them, if they give up the demand for sovereignty and lay down their arms. As regards to two or three ULFA leaders who are not within our reach, I am sure that there will be good news in days to come," he added. (ANI)