Chennai: Terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir were on the 'decline' this year compared to last year, State Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said today (Aug 7, 2004).

Compared to last year, the attacks were definitely on the decline. Though there were attacks, the number of such incidents was less, he told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Chennai.

This was due to the change in the attitude of people, the revival of dialogue between India and Pakistan and a "relatively calm atmosphere" on the Line of Control (LoC), he said.

The infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan had also come down, though not completely stopped, he said.

However, there were 'focussed' attacks this year, he said adding effective steps were needed to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

He welcomed the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government's decision to continue the dialogue process with Pakistan. 'There has been a continuation of policy initiated by the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government.'

He said his Government was satisfied with the UPA regime at the Centre as it had announced a lot of measures, including a financial package, for the development of the State. Since he took over as the Chief Minister one-year back, the situation had vastly improved and works on several projects had started, he said.