The Centre is planning to consult the State governments to evolve a Standard Operating Procedure to deal with hostage situations arising out of frequent abductions by the Maoists. Minister of State for Home Affairs Jitendra Singh stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. Mr. Singh said since law and order is a state subject, such matters are dealt with directly by the concerned State governments. He said the Central government closely monitors the situation, coordinates with the states and supplements their efforts.