India has accused Pakistan of harbouring the militants behind the attack, which has sparked nationwide outrage and some public calls for war against the nuclear-armed arch rival to avenge the killings. Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947, with both the countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it in its entirety. I expect the government of India to avenge the killings," Brish Soreng, father of one of the soldiers, told reporters. In 2016, New Delhi launched a "surgical strike" in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after militants attacked a military base, killing 19 soldiers. India has some 500,000 troops in the region, making it the most militarised zone in the world, after an armed rebellion began in 1989.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 16, 2019 17:15 UTC