Separately an Indian soldier was killed in the latest exchange of fire with Pakistani forces across the de-facto Line of Control (LoC) border since the two nations launched tit-for-tat air strikes last month. According to rights group Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), 20 Indian armed forces personnel killed themselves in 2018, the most in a decade. India accuses Pakistan of backing rebels fighting for independence of all of Kashmir, while some want the entire territory to be part of Pakistan. On February 14 a suicide bombing claimed by a militant group based in Pakistan killed 40 CRPF troopers. Tensions have since eased but cross-LoC fire has continued, as have gun battles between suspected militants and Indian security forces.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 21, 2019 09:45 UTC