New Delhi, Aug 17 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram cautioned states against losing focus about internal security, saying the nation continues to face challenges from terrorism, insurgency and naxalism.

Chidambaram was addressing chief ministers conference on internal security here on Monday.

Describing the police as a crucial instrument in tackling threats to internal security, Chidambaram urged chief ministers to speedily implement the modernization of police forces and fulfill the demands of the forces.

It was the police, which has paid the heaviest price in fighting off these threats, he noted.

Expressing concern over vacant police posts across the country, Chidambaram asked state governments to take necessary steps to recruit personnel, as the situation was alarming.

Noting that there was no major terror strike in the country after 26/11, Chidambaram credited better intelligence for the improved situation.

He cautioned that the threat of terrorism has not vanished completely.

He also mooted a plan to create a separate cadre for the intelligence services and appreciated the creation of a Quick Response Team (QRT) in most cities to tackle the terror threat.

Chidambaram made it clear that there was no illusion over the threat posed by naxals to the country, and added that the Union Government is serious about tackling the left- wing extremism.

Commenting about the insurgency situation in the country Chidambaram said while militancy was on the decline in Jammu and Kashmir, the situation in the north-east continues to remain volatile. (ANI)