New Delhi, May 9 (IANS): Days after a kidnapped district collector was freed in Chhattisgarh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday said the government will consider evolving a central hostage policy for the country.

Replying to a short notice question in the upper house, Chidambaram said he has asked officials in the home ministry to raise the issue with states.

"I have asked officials to raise the matter with state governments," the home minister said.

He said even though the nature of the policy that will evolve is not known, important role of mediators cannot be denied.

"Even in Chhattisgarh, mediators were involved. Mediation and negotiation are a part of every country's hostage policy," Chidambaram said.

The home minister also stressed that dealing with issues of terrorism and insurgency is the joint responsibility of the state and central governments.

"I appeal to all to work together," he said, adding that the constitution which gave the states control over police, also gives the central government the "duty" to control terrorism.