Authorities in India say tensions between Hindus and Muslims are easing, but the death toll from the worst sectarian violence in a decade has climbed past 700. 

The toll from the recent violence, centered in western Gujarat state, is expected to keep rising, as authorities continue to discover victims in remote villages. 

Riots broke out across Gujarat after a deadly arson attack 10 days ago on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims home from Ayodhya, a site in northern Uttar Pradesh state that is sacred to both Muslims and Hindus. 

Trains to and from Ayodhya have been halted as a result of the arson attack on February 27. Train service was due to resume Saturday, but officials say there have been further delays, for so-called administrative reasons. 

The militant World Hindu Council wants to build a temple at Ayodhya, where Hindu mobs razed a mosque in 1992. Hindu hardliners say the 16th century mosque had been built by destroying a temple to their god Rama. 

Thousands of troops have been patrolling the site to ensure security. 

Some information for this report provided by AP. 

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