‘Valley violence dropped by 25 pc this year’

Patil, however, defended his stance arguing that ‘‘it is not necessary to mention any name… it is not our style to name people.’’

On the Ayodhya attack, Patil said the terrorists had tried to ‘‘ignite communal hatred and divide the country. They had no other reason.’’ He said the Centre had asked the state governments to tighten security in Varanasi, Mathura and Agra, and other places of historical, cultural, religious, political, and industrial importance, as well as scientific installations.

Adityanath of BJP claimed that a section of people was trying to make heroes out of the terrorists who attacked Ayodhya and sought to know as to how the government planned to deal with it. To this, Patil’s response was: ‘‘In our own tradition. You are welcome to (follow) yours.’’ Singling out a remark by Adityanath, he said if this was what he said in the House, one could well imagine ‘‘what he may be saying outside.’’

Regarding the North-Eastern states, Patil said, ‘‘Till July-end, terrorism-related incidents decreased by 5.5 per cent. Civilians killed decreased by 28 per cent, and security forces by 58 per cent, as compared to the corresponding period last year.’’

‘‘Assam has been less peaceful, and Manipur has suffered more,’’ said Patil, adding, ‘‘We have taken steps to stop illegal immigration and infiltration. We have fenced more than half of our eastern border with Bangladesh. The remaining would be soon.’’

Patil said Naxal violence dipped by eight per cent though there was a marginal increase in overall killings of civilians and police personnel.