New ceasefire violations by both sides along Line of Control included reported 12-hour gunfire exchange 28 July, marking month of deterioration in Indo-Pakistani relations. Tensions sparked by deadly, well-organised bombings targeting Indian interests: 7 July blast at Kabul embassy (see Afghanistan), bombings in Bangalore and Ahmedabad 25, 26 July (see India). 21 July composite dialogue talks remained on track, but India said process “under stress”. Violence in India- controlled Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) increased with numerous attacks, including 19 July bus attack that killed at least 9 Indian soldiers. J&K regional govt fell 7 July after resignation of chief minister in wake of June Hindu shrine dispute.

At least 4 killed by police in protests across Indian Jammu & Kashmir after government announced transfer of land adjacent to Hindu Shri Amarnathji shrine. Protesters see transfer as effort to increase number of Hindus in Muslim-dominated Indian Kashmir. Transfer annulled 29 June but protests continued. 4 Pakistani soldiers killed in clash with unknown attackers along Line of Control 19 June. Pakistan, Indian FMs met in New Delhi, 27 June, pledged to continue rapprochement, announced fifth round of Composite Dialogue from 21 July.

India-Pakistan peace talks resumed 20 May after 6-month suspension; signed deal on consular access to prisoners on both sides, otherwise little progress. 8 killed, including 4 civilians, in Samba district police-militants clashes 11 May; first major outbreak of violence in 4 years. Senior Hizbul Mujahideen leader killed by Indian soldiers 28 Apr.

Welcoming return to democracy in Pakistan, Indian PM Singh said expected bilateral ties to improve. Islamabad has already entered into talks to liberalise visa, trade regimes. Indian police claimed arrested senior Hizbul Mujahideen militant Junaid-ul-Islam 3 Apr. Protests against alleged mistreatment of political prisoners continued.

Babir Ahmad, top commander of Huji militant group, killed by security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir; wanted for Nov 2007 Uttar Pradesh bombings. Pakistan President Musharraf said peace talks with India “now on track” 24 Jan; expects progress after Feb Pakistan elections.

Hardline Hizbul Mujahideen announced end to grenade attacks in public places: part of apparent attempt to garner more public support. Indian police killed 3 alleged members of that group who barricaded themselves in mosque in Palnoo, Kulgam district, 23 December.

Indian High Commissioner’s house in Islamabad broken into 12 November, prompting protest by New Delhi. Move came after India expressed concern at Pakistan’s 3 November imposition of martial law.

In step towards normalisation, commercial lorries crossed India-Pakistan border for first time since partition at Punjab’s Wagah border post 1 October. Pakistan President Musharraf announced political and administrative reforms for Northern Areas 23 October, giving regional assembly greater say in regional administration; move rejected in Northern Areas as attempt to bypass real political reform.

Pakistan registered formal disapproval 17 September after India announced it would lead tourist expeditions on disputed Siachen glacier.

Former senior policeman shot dead 31 August north of Srinagar, first high-profile killing of year. Hizbul Mujahedin group claimed responsibility. Indian army reported killing 10 militants in Kashmir and border area 27 August.