AP
Hindu family looks out from their burned home in a Muslim dominated area in Ahmadabad

Sectarian violence appears to be tapering off in India's western Gujarat state after widespread rioting that has left nearly 500 people dead. Only sporadic clashes between Hindus and Muslims were reported overnight. Curfews were lifted in some areas.

Indian troops have been on patrol in main cities and towns, including Gujarat's largest city, Ahmadabad, where the worst clashes occurred. Reports from there say residents are beginning to come out of their homes to survey the considerable damage.

AP
People take whatever they can carry from looted shops in Ahmadabad

Patrols have yet to reach some remote villages where the clashes have spread.

The violence began Wednesday when a Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims, killing 58 people.

The Hindus aboard the train were returning from Ayodha, a town in northern Uttar Pradesh state where Hindu activists plan to erect a temple on the site of a mosque that they razed 10 years ago. The World Hindu Council says it plans to begin building the temple on March 15, on land still claimed by Muslims.

The Indian government has sent hundreds of troops to Ayodhya and diverted rail traffic around the area.

The recent outbreaks are the worst sectarian violence in India in nearly a decade. Authorities say they will be setting up peace committees in an attempt to restore trust between Hindus and Muslims.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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