Kandhmal (Orissa), June 26 Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday criticised the Orissa State police over its failure to contain the "regrettable and condemnable" Kandhamal violence for over a month in August, last year.

After meeting Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here, Chidambaram said: "What happened on August 23 and thereafter was regrettable and condemnable. Moresoover, it was the failure of the police for 30 to 40 days."

However, Chidambaram, said that the situation in the riot-torn district was returning to normality.

"Now the situation is returning to normal but we cannot lower our guards," said the Union Minister who is on a two-day visit to Orissa.

Over increasing activities of naxals in State, Chidambaram said that the Government at the Centre was resolute to bring an end to all kind of violence. Our response to Left wing extremism is that there is no room for violence. The CPI-Maoist was and is a terrorist organisation and we will not yield any ground to CPI-Maoist. We will resolutely oppose and ensure that all violence ends."

Chidambaram said that he has assured the Chief Minister of all help to tackle Maoists in the state.

"I have assured Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of all help. A plan has been drawn up to handle Left wing extremism," he said. (ANI)