Concert in Kashmir Causes Political Storm

Locals furious over German performance and orchestra itself has accused organisers of "hijacking" the event.

Kashmir Parents Accused of Killing Daughter in Acid Attack

THE GUARDIAN: Couple arrested over 'honour killing' after 15-year-old is reportedly doused with acid for talking to boy outside family home

Pakistani officials have arrested the parents of a 15-year-old girl who died after being doused with acid at her home.

The couple, from Kashmir, reportedly confessed to the killing earlier this week because they believed she had sullied the family's honour.

Such so-called honour killings are common in much of Pakistan, with thousands of women burned, disfigured or maimed in similar attacks every year, according to human rights groups. Such attacks are relatively rare in Kashmir, however.

Zohra Yusuf, chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), said the case was a "classic" example of a family dispute turned horribly violent. "What is really striking is that there really is no regret among members of the family. Justice for the women is very, very rare," she told the Guardian. » | Jason Burke, south Asia correspondent | Friday, November 02, 2012

Islamic Militants Threaten War on Pakistan over Kashmir
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Islamic militants fighting Indian forces in Kashmir will declare war on Pakistan if it weakens its traditional support for their jihad, their senior leader has warned.

Syed Salahuddin, leader of the United Jihad Council, an umbrella group of Kashmiri militant groups which includes the Lashkar e Taiba, said they had been fighting "Pakistan's war in Kashmir" but Islamabad now cares more about trade than jihad.

"We (militants) are fighting Pakistan's war in Kashmir and if it withdraws its support, the war would be fought inside Pakistan," he said in an interview with the Arab News.

His threat emerged as India and Pakistan's leaders prepare for talks in Islamabad on Monday on proposals to withdraw their troops from the disputed Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield close to the Line of Control which divides Kashmir.

Salahuddin and other Kashmiri militant leaders fear Pakistan's leaders will withdraw its long-standing support for the military strikes against Indian forces in Kashmir as part of its diplomatic campaign to reduce trade barriers and ease movement between the old enemies. » | Dean Nelson, New Delhi | Friday, June 08, 2012