Jammu: Terrorist related violence decreased in Jammu and Kashmir by 16 per cent this year (2003) compared to the corresponding period last year, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed told the Legislative Assembly today (Dec 18, 2003).

There had been a marked decline in terrorist related incidents since the present Government came to power in November last year, Sayeed said, adding terrorist related violence in the State had reduced by 16 per cent between November one, 2002 and October 31, 2003 compared to the same period in 2001- 2002.

Similarly, civilian casualties had also gone down to 885 in the same period compared to 1064 casualties between November one, 2001 and October 31, 2002, he said.

The Chief Minister said as a result of the reduction in terrorist violence, the overall atmosphere in the State had improved.

This has resulted in increased influx of tourists both domestic as well as foreigners, he said, adding as many as 1,84,000 tourists visited the State till November 15 this year.

Besides, 1.54 lakh pilgrims visited the Amarnath cave shrine this year and the pilgrimage was "incident free."

Highest number of Kashmiri Pandits -- as many as 50,000-- also paid their obeisance at Khir Bhawani for the first time during 14 years of militancy, he said.

There was also unabated rush of pilgrims to the Mata Vaishnodevi shrine, Sayeed said.

PTI



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