Saturday, July 9 2005 16:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: "The Government is of the firm opinion that a solution could be found to problems through dialogue but it would tackle terrorism with a firm hand," Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said today (July 9, 2005).

"Only if all ways are closed, force will be used as the last resort. But the solution lies in talks and discussions which would seek to remove misunderstandings," he said while participating in a seminar on 'Violence and Terrorism: Causes and Solutions' here.

He cited from the epic 'Mahabharata' in which the Pandavas had to resort to violence in order to vanquish the Kauravas.

He said the scourge of terrorism was not limited to India alone but was a malaise that had spread worldwide.

"Both peace and terrorism are in the mind of man. The problem arises when some seek to uphold their religion while others want to prove that their culture is the best. This attitude needs to go," the Minister said.

"But ninety per cent of the world's people believe in peace and non-violence so I am convinced that a solution can be found. All countries need to come together and take steps through talks," he said.

Claiming that there was a decline in terrorist activities in the country, Patil said "there has been 70-80 per cent reduction in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, 40 per cent reduction in North-East and up to four per cent decrease in Naxal violence," he said.