1. News
Reports in the South Asian press indicate that Pakistan and India may be stepping slightly back from the brink of war. The daily News reports that President Musharraf has launched a new drive against extremists. The Pakistani government has also stopped funding 115 religious schools allegedly involved in extremism and militancy. Earlier, there were reports that Pakistan has moved nuclear warheads close to the Line of Control (LoC) between Pakistan and India. Pakistan has also reportedly started to shift its troops deployed along the Afghan-Pakistan border to its eastern front.
"Kashmir infiltrations halted, say terrorists"
"Peace hopes as Pak plugs LoC"
"Four-phase plan to curb terrorism"
"Govt stops funding 115 Madaris"
"Pakistan moves troops from western to eastern border"
"Tactical N-warheads moved along borders"
The daily Hindustan Times has reported that, according to unnamed 'senior defense officials', "Indian troops will remain at their present level of mobilization till elections in Jammu and Kashmir are held in October."
"Indian troops will remain at border till Kashmir polls: Official"
Kamran Khan reports in the daily News that "Pakistani military leadership under President General Musharraf is "absolutely confident" that the freedom struggle in Kashmir has entered a crucial phase." The Pakistani government has called the report "misleading and false."
"Army believes Kashmir freedom is near"
"Clarification: Kamran responds"