Kashmir ‘faces worst crisis in a generation’

KASHMIR is facing its worst crisis in a generation, political leaders warned yesterday, as the United Nations offered to mediate in the deteriorating situation between India and Pakistan.

It followed renewed gunfire across the border yesterday in Jammu region, south of Kashmir.

Tension has risen following India’s so-called “surgical strikes” against terrorists inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Thursday.

No casualties were reported in the latest clashes, although thousands of villagers have been evacuated amid fears of Pakistani military reprisals.

Pakistan has condemned its neighbour’s “unprovoked aggression”. The nucleararmed rivals have fought two wars over Kashmir since partition in 1947. Both control parts of Kashmir, but claim it in its entirety.

A separatist-led strike and protests in the Indian-controlled part of the Himalayan valley entered an 82nd day yesterday. They have claimed 85 lives and brought the capital Srinagar to an economic standstill.

Nasir Sogami, from the opposition National Conference party, said Kashmir had “gone back to the situation before the ceasefire in 2003”, when Pakistan and Indian troops fired across the border.

He told The Telegraph: “It’s easy to talk about war in the drawing rooms of Delhi. But when you see people living in fear of guns on the border, it affects us.

“We will be the first beneficiaries of peace, but the first victims of a war.”

Ban Ki-Moon, the UN director-general, has offered to mediate in the affair.