India's home minister has offered federal support to states dealing with Maoist rebels.

Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said Tuesday the government will enact a two-pronged approach that will include police action and development programs in the two states worst hit by the insurgency, Chhattisgarh and Orissa.

Chidambaram told reporters that although the number of deaths from rebel attacks is lower than last year, the violence is unacceptable.

Indian leaders have called the 40-year Maoist insurgency the country's biggest internal security threat.

The rebels have infiltrated more than 20 Indian states, saying they are fighting for jobs and land for the poor.

Indian officials say close to 1,200 people were killed in rebel-related violence in 2010. At least 250 people have been killed so far this year.