India, Pakistan PMs 29 Apr agreed on formal steps towards resuming peace talks after meeting at Bhutan SAARC summit, suspended since Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. At least 4 soldiers, 17 militants killed early month in southern Rajouri district clashes. Police 4 Apr killed 1 militant in Pulwana district following failed assassination attempt of local Congress party leader.

2 police, 1 civilian killed by suspected militants in 16 March separate Sopore, Srinagar clashes; Indian army 24 March killed 3 militants in infiltration attempt across LoC. Thousands called for “holy war” to liberate Kashmir during 23 March demonstration in Kotli inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Trial against surviving gunman from Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack ended 31 March, verdict expected 3 May.

Early month violent demonstrations across Kashmir over alleged killing of 2 teenagers by police, paramilitary troops in separate incidents; govt 4 Feb imposed curfew across valley, 13 Feb suspended 14 paramilitary troops suspected of 2nd killing. Army 15 Feb killed 3 militants in Kulgam district. India, Pakistan Foreign Secretaries 25 Feb in 1st official meeting since Nov 2008 Mumbai attacks; India said meeting positive, but not ready to resume formal peace talks.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah 6 Jan pledged further cuts in Indian security forces after police reported militant violence in Kashmir down 25% during 2009. Traditional spike in violence ahead of 26 Jan Republic Day: 4 killed, including 1 police and 2 Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, in 7 Jan 20-hour gun battle in Srinagar; Indian troops 23 Jan killed top Hizbul Mujahedin militant group leader. At least 3 Pakistani soldiers killed in 6 Jan Rawalakot District blast, police said unclear if suicide attack. India 12 Jan said Indian paramilitary soldier killed by Pakistani troops firing across LoC.

State investigative agency (CBI) report 14 Dec claimed 2 women found dead May died of natural causes; thousands protested report 15 Dec, accused CBI of covering up murder, rape by Indian troops. Army 18 Dec claimed had pulled out 30,000 troops from Kashmir due to decrease in militant attacks. Fazal Haq Qureshi, leader of moderate separatist alliance Hurriyat Conference, severely wounded in 5 Dec attack by unidentified gunmen in Srinagar. Mohammad Kasab, surviving gunman from Nov 2008 Mumbai terror attack, 18 Dec retracted confession, claimed torture by Indian police.

High number of infiltration attempts by militants across LoC continued; Pakistan rejected Indian army’s early month claim Pakistani troops providing cover fire for militants. Indian army killed 3 militants 4 Nov, 6 militants 14 Nov in infiltration attempts. Pakistan govt 23 Nov accussed India of stalling resumption of peace talks after India PM Singh questioned Pakistan govt’s control of own army. Pakistan court 25 Nov charged 7 over involvement in Nov 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Infiltration attempts by militants across LoC continued to rise ahead of winter months when border inaccessible; at least 10 soldiers, militants killed in clashes along LoC during Sept. Police 28 Sept killed 3 members of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba militant group in Tral area. Thousands protested in Shopian 9 Sept after leading activist behind calls for investigation into Indian troops’ alleged rape, murder of 2 women in May found dead; state govt 10 Sept said case handed over to state investigative agency CBI. Pakistan, India FMs met 27 Sept, but no agreement on resumption of peace talks.

Dozens killed, mostly militants, in string of attacks leading up to India Independence Day 15 Aug as infiltration attempts by militants across LoC rose significantly during month. Pakistan govt 6 Aug said evidence handed over by India govt against Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, founder of Lashkar-eTayyba militant group accused of Nov 2008 Mumbai terror attack, not strong enough to build case against him. India PM Singh 17 Aug said India govt had “credible information” that Pakistani terrorist groups are planning new attacks on India.

Violent protests over Indian troops’ alleged rape, murder of 2 women in May continued throughout month; state court 15 July ordered arrest of 4 soldiers accused of destroying evidence related to case, investigation ongoing. 3 Islamist militants, 1 police killed in 5 July clashes in Kupwara, Rajouri districts. Surviving gunman from Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack 20 July pled guilty; judge accepted plea, said trial will go on until “outstanding issues” cleared. Pakistani court 25 July adjourned case against 5 accused of involvement in Mumbai attack for 1 month; India PM Singh 17 July had said no resumption of Pakistan peace talks until action taken against Mumbai perpetrators.