Month-long violent protests over 2 women found dead late May, allegedly raped, killed by Indian troops: at least 2 killed, hundreds injured in frequent clashes with police. Taliban suicide bomber 26 June killed 2 troops in Pakistanadministered Kashmir, first such attack in region. 16 June India PM Singh and Pakistan President Zardari in 1st meeting since Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. Pakistani court 2 June released founder of Lashkar-e-Tayyba (LeT) militant group, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, said not enough evidence to link him to Mumbai attack. Indian govt 23 June issued arrest warrants for 22 Pakistanis, including Saeed, other LeT members, for allegedly masterminding Mumbai attack.

Separatist alliance All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) 23 Apr called for boycott of national elections; police in response 24 Apr arrested APHC leader. 10 killed, including 2 police and 2 unidentified militants, in 20 Apr Doda district clashes; 5 killed in 21 Apr Poonch district blast. Army 25 Apr accused Pakistan of helping militants infiltrate Kashmir ahead of elections. Surviving gunman from Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack 17 Apr retracted confession, said forced under torture.

Trial of surviving gunman from Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack started 23 March; gunman said he is from Pakistan. 2 alleged Indian Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) militants also on trial in same case, accused of scouting for attack. Indian, Pakistani troops 21 March exchanged fire across LoC. 17 LeT militants, 5 troops killed in 5-day Shamsbari forest clashes along LoC late month; army 14 March killed 5 LeT militants in Srinagar clash.

Pakistan made formal admission 12 Feb that Nov 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks planned in part on Pakistani soil, said 8 suspects identified, 6 in custody awaiting related prosecution. Welcoming move, India said more needed to be done. India charged surviving gunman on charges related to Nov Mumbai attacks, along with 35 Pakistanis including serving army officer, members of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. Charges included waging war on India.

Pakistan Interior minister 14 Jan said some 120 alleged militants arrested in connection to Nov attacks on Mumbai. Intensified military operations in India-controlled Kashmir continued: army reported 4 killed in 9-day gun battle with Muslim militants near Line of Control that ended 8 Jan. Indian govt sharply rejected 21 Jan remarks by UK FM Miliband, visiting New Delhi, that resolution of Kashmir dispute key to South Asian security; Delhi sees Kashmir as domestic issue.

Continued escalations in tensions between India and Pakistan in wake of Nov Mumbai attacks: Pakistan announced redeployment of some troops from tribal areas to Line of Control and international border, but both sides stressed did not want war. Reported airspace violations by Indian aircraft 12-13 Dec, but President Zardari explained as “technical incursion”. Indian FM Mukherjee 22 Dec called Pakistani militants "greatest danger to peace and security” in world. Although composite dialogue put on hold, New Delhi and Islamabad shared information on nuclear programs 2 Jan in rare goodwill gesture. Phased elections in Indian- administered Kashmir, which began 17 Nov, ended 24 Dec with 60% overall turnout amid heavy security crackdown and clashes between security forces and separatists.

Involvement of Pakistan-based militants in 26-28 Nov Mumbai attacks (see India) prompted sharp escalation in tensions with India; India now at war- level security. Initial investigations pointed to involvement of Kashmiri group Lashkar-e-Tayyaba; believed sole surviving attacker Pakistani. Pakistan President Zardari 30 Nov appealed to India for joint approach, said deploying Pakistan military to Kashmir would hurt fight against militants. ISI chief Gen. Pasha due to visit Delhi to assist investigation. Earlier, Zardari in 22 Nov comments to press hinted at “no first use” nuclear weapons policy, called for closer contact across LoC by loosening visa regime. First state polls of 7-stage elections across Jammu & Kashmir held 17, 23 Nov. Initial reports of high turnout (50-60% by district). Separatist tensions high as separatist leaders placed under house arrest, police enforced curfews on Srinagar and other towns, and tens injured in clashes between Muslim protesters and police.

Further political progress between Islamabad and New Delhi, but few improvements on ground. India praised remarks by Pakistan President Zardari that India posed no threat, Kashmir militants represented “terrorists”. National security advisers met in New Delhi 14 Oct, agreed to prepare joint counter-terrorism strategy. Trade across Line of Control began 21 Oct along Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road; crossings limited to 1 day per week. Indian govt 19 Oct announced state polls in Jammu & Kashmir in 7 phases between 17 Nov-24 Dec; All Parties Hurriyat Conference and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front to boycott.

Communal violence in India-administered Kashmir subsided somewhat after Indian govt temporarily restored disputed land near Hindu Amarnath shrine to Shrine Board. But clashes resumed around 19-20 Sept Srinagar strike by Muslim protesters. In 20 Sept address to parliament, new Pakistan President Asif Zardari pledged peace with India, increased cooperation. Limited exchange of fire across Line of Control (LOC) reported 22 Sept. Zardari and Indian PM Singh agreed to launch new round of Composite Dialogue talks by year’s end, begin cross-LOC trade, open land route for trade between New Delhi and Kabul, and, guided by Indus Water treaty, resolve water disputes.

Violence grew in India-controlled Kashmir, as protests sparked by planned Hindu shrine land transfer resumed. 4 killed in independence rallies 25 Aug in Srinagar, several party leaders detained for curfew violations; over 25 reported killed by Indian police in 2 weeks. Indian security forces killed prominent separatist leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz as he led march towards Line of Control (LoC) 11 Aug; several killed in LoC battles in month.