Friday, August 12 2005 19:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The number of violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir till July this year declined by 24.5 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year due to border fencing and policies pursued by the Government, Home Minister Shivraj Patil told Lok Sabha today (Aug 12, 2005).

Replying to the discussion on the attack on Ram Janambhoomi complex in Ayodhya and Terrorism, he said the killing of civilians had also come down by 28.5 per cent during the period under review against 11 per cent drop in the previous year.

However, he made a veiled reference to Pakistan, saying terrorism in the valley was taking place due to support from across the border.

"Some countries rely upon terrorism to wreak revenge upon their enemies. They have developed theories on terrorism. They think terrorism is a low cost option available to them to unleash proxy war on their neighbours.

"They want to give million cuts to enemies. The theory that their religions are superior to those of others gives rise to fundamentalism and terrorism," the Minister said.

"The terrorists who attacked Ayodhya had tried to ignite the fire of communal hatred and divide the country. They had no other reason to attack the place," he said.