The union government may consider setting up regional intelligence centres to train state intelligence personnel in intelligence gathering and intelligence analysis,' said Chidambaram.

Speaking at the inaugural session earlier Monday, the home minister bemoaned the fact that state governments were not pitching hard enough to the tasks ahead, especially the task of removing deficiencies.

Some of the pressing responsibilities included operational preparedness of Quick Response Teams, strengthening of state special branches and intelligence wings, development of guidelines for security of places with large footfalls, police reforms and better police-community interaction, besides issues of border management.

Chidambaram also pointed out that the strength of police stations, especially in rural and remote areas, was 'totally inadequate' and there was a dire need to boost their numbers.

'This is totally inadequate. For a police station to be effective, its strength should be at least 41 personnel. State governments may augment the strength of police stations,' he pointed out.

Chidambaram also listed other important steps that needed to be undertaken on a war footing, including road building in border as well as Maoist affected areas, financial assistance to establish coastal police stations as many were outdated and honing both megacity and desert policing.

He also said the central government would consider imparting Territorial Army training to fishermen for a period of four months when they do not engage in fishing.

While emphasising that the communal situation in the country had improved, the home minister there still were pockets of strife and disharmony.

'If numbers can tell a story - or at least point to trends - it appears that five states are rather sensitive. I intend to write to the chief Ministers of these states and request them to pay special attention to this matter.'

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his speech, singled out Maharashtra and Karnataka and said they needed to be more vigilant.