India, Pakistan 10 Feb announced formal peace talks will resume, likely in July; direct talks suspended since Nov 2008 Mumbai terror attack. India 13 Feb reiterated plan to withdraw 10,000 of 70,000 paramilitary troops stationed in Kashmir by end 2011. Suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants 1 Feb killed 2 teenage girls outside Srinagar; first suspected LeT attack in 2011. Thousands protested across Valley 5 Feb after Indian troops 4 Feb killed student in Handwara.

Indian Home Secretary G.K. Pillai 14 Jan said govt will cut troop level in Kashmir by 25% over next 12 months as a “confidence-building measure”; Defence Minister A.K. Anthony later clarified reduction only refers to paramilitary forces, not army; separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani said proposal “inconsequential”, demanded full withdrawal.

India Home Minister Chidambaram 9 Dec said “contours” of political solution to Kashmir issue to be ready within “a few months”, but civil society groups criticised govt exclusion of main separatist groups in dialogue. U.S. diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks alleged ICRC accused Indian police of systematic torture of detainees 2002-2004.

Relative calm prevailed with no new deaths from continued protests reported. Minor clashes with police 17 Nov after thousands protested across valley following Muslim festival Eid. Army 3 Nov killed 7 militants in separate gun battles; 4 militants, 1 police killed in 29 Nov Srinagar clash. After 2 visits to Valley during month, govt-appointed negotiation panel 14 Nov said roadmap for Kashmir solution to be completed in “6-9 months”. During early month visit to India, U.S. President Obama said U.S. “happy to play a role” in solving Kashmir dispute, but “cannot impose a solution”.

Violent anti-India demonstrations lessened over month with no fatal police shootings of demonstrators reported. Indian govt 13 Oct named 3-member panel to mediate with “all shades of opinion” in Kashmir; main separatist groups dismissed panel as toothless without inclusion of members from governing parties. 50 students arrested during June protests released 6 Oct. Police 18 Oct arrested leader of separatist Pakistan Muslim League accused of instigating recent violent protests. 8 police, 1 militant killed in 1 Oct infiltration attempt in northern districts. Pakistani ex-president Musharraf 4 Oct confirmed Pakistan military trained militant groups in Kashmir during his time in office.

Police killed at least 20 protesters as violent anti-India demonstrations continued, including at least 15 on 13 Sept when tens of thousands marched in Srinagar. Violence spread to new areas, with killing of 3 protesters by police in Mendhar in South 15 Sept. Police 12 Sept charged Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, leader of main separatist group All Parties Hurriyat Conference, with treason over allegedly inciting violent protests. All-party delegation visited Kashmir as part of govt peace initiative, met with 3 main separatist leaders 20 Sept. Delhi 25 Sept announced 8-point plan to defuse tensions, including release of students detained for throwing stones, opening of dialogue with Kashmiris. Schools re-opened 27 Sept after 3-month closure. Pakistan condemned crackdown on protesters, 26 Sept asked India to change policy as precondition for any discussion on Kashmir. Security forces killed several militants mid month in Pulwama, Bandipora districts.

At least 40 demonstrators killed in clashes with police as anti-India protests continued; more than 63 killed since start of protests 11 June, worst since separatist revolt first broke out 1989; situation appeared to have calmed by end-month. India Home Minister Chidambaram 6 Aug alleged Pakistani involvement in demonstrations. 2 Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, 1 soldier killed in 16 Aug Rajouri district gun battle. Pakistan President Zardari criticised UK PM Cameron’s claim that Pakistan ignoring “home-grown” terrorism, made during early month visit to India.

Huge anti-India protests continued throughout month across Valley, with at least 9 demonstrators killed in clashes with police in July. Indian govt 7 July deployed troops in Srinagar and Baramulla to quell protests, first Kashmir army patrols since 1990. India-imposed curfews continued off and on during month. 1 Indian army colonel, 1 senior Lashkar-e-Tayyaba militant group commander killed in 14 July gun battles. Pakistan, India FMs 15 July in first meeting since 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks; little progress. Pakistan FM Qureshi accused India of “selectively” focusing on terrorism, refuted India Home Secretary G.K. Pillai’s 14 July accusation that ISI behind Mumbai attack.

During early month visit to Valley, Indian PM Singh repeated offer of talks with separatist groups who shun violence. Indian army 6 June suspended 1 major, dismissed 1 colonel suspected of killing 3 civilians late April. Huge anti-India protests from mid-month over 11 civilians allegedly killed by Indian troops in separate incidents over month; Delhi 29 June imposed curfew. India, Pakistan Foreign Secretaries 24 June held “positive” talks in Islamabad ahead of July meeting of FMs.

Indian PM Singh 24 May said “major effort” underway to build trust with Pakistan after early month meeting with Pakistani PM Gilani. Continued militant activity in Valley: 4 suspected militants, 2 soldiers killed in 7 May gun battle in Bandipora district. 1 Pakistani soldier killed in cross-border shooting 23 May. Indian anti-terrorism court 6 May sentenced to death Pakistani found guilty of Nov 2008 Mumbai attacks.