Kashmir border clashes drive thousands from their homes

Thousands of Indians have fled from their homes as fighting between India and Pakistan spread along a 200-km (124 mile) stretch of the border in the disputed region of Kashmir.

Tension between the nuclear-armed rivals has risen since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called off peace talks in August and clashes along stretches of their border have been erupting intermittently since October.

At least 10 Indian and Pakistani soldiers and civilians have been killed in fighting over the past week.

About 6,000 civilians in Indian-controlled Kashmir fled from their homes late on Monday as fighting moved to civilian areas, said Shantmanu, the divisional commissioner of Jammu region. About 4,000 left after fighting began last week.

"We had a narrow escape and there is a war-like situation," Sham Kumar, 54, from Sherpur village told Reuters. "Pakistani troops are using long-range weapons. It is the first time we have seen such intense shelling."

The violence comes days before US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to visit India. President Barack Obama is also due to visit India later this month.

The United States has for years been trying to push the South Asian rivals to build better relations. Mistrust between India and Pakistan is a factor behind conflict in various parts of the region including Afghanistan.

Kumar said he left his village after a shell landed in a school about 3.5 km (two miles) from the border.

Indian and Pakistani forces again exchanged gunfire and mortar bombs across parts of their border on Tuesday, an Indian Border Security Force official said.

"The firing is going on and we are giving befitting reply to Pakistani shelling," the official said.

Pakistani officials were not immediately available for comment.

The rivals, who have fought two wars over Muslim-majority Kashmir, blame each other for the upsurge in clashes since October.

related articles
Suicide bombing kills dozens on Pakistani-Indian border
Suicide bombing kills dozens on Pakistani-Indian border

Suicide bombing kills dozens on Pakistani-Indian border

Taliban group threatens to attack India following border blast
Taliban group threatens to attack India following border blast

Taliban group threatens to attack India following border blast

After the Pakistan school attack: mourning, mass funerals and calls for vengeance
After the Pakistan school attack: mourning, mass funerals and calls for vengeance

After the Pakistan school attack: mourning, mass funerals and calls for vengeance

Arrests made in Pakistani school massacre
Arrests made in Pakistani school massacre

Arrests made in Pakistani school massacre

Pro-Taliban Imam arrested after refusal to condemn Peshawar massacre
Pro-Taliban Imam arrested after refusal to condemn Peshawar massacre

Pro-Taliban Imam arrested after refusal to condemn Peshawar massacre

Low-key Christmas for Pakistan\'s persecuted Christians
Low-key Christmas for Pakistan's persecuted Christians

Low-key Christmas for Pakistan's persecuted Christians

News
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary

There is much more to reflect on in these two hours, presented in a very different way from previous communications, and a year later.

Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas

Locals are reportedly unhappy with the decree but know that failure to comply could lead to arrest.

BBC chooses Bradford Cathedral for Christmas Day broadcast
BBC chooses Bradford Cathedral for Christmas Day broadcast

The BBC has chosen Bradford Cathedral as the location for its live Christmas Day service in 2025, coinciding with its status as UK City of Culture and placing the historic cathedral firmly in the Christmas morning spotlight.

Presbyterian Church in Ireland under investigation amid safeguarding concerns
Presbyterian Church in Ireland under investigation amid safeguarding concerns

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has launched an inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.