The violence continues in Kashmir, with most of the victims being civilians. The rebels, many of whom are Pakistanis or other foreigners, and not Kashmiris, must use terror against some of the Kashmiri Moslems to obtain support, or prevent cooperation with the police. On the positive side, India and Pakistan are at least discussing the future of Pakistan. The US FBI is expanding its intelligence operations in Pakistan, and will have more agents operating out in the field. This is expected to increase the number of al Qaeda members caught. June 6, 2003: The Indian army admitted that their operation against Kashmiri rebel camps in the remote Surankote area of southern Kashmir. While 62 rebels were confirmed as killed, and hundreds of weapons were seized, it's thought that at least 250 rebels escaped to other parts of Kashmir. In Kashmir, rebel violence left 11 dead. June 5, 2003: Indian and Pakistani artillery exchanged fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir, leaving five Indian civilians dead. Yesterday, the shelling killed a Pakistani civilian. June 4, 2003: In Kashmir, rebel violence left six dead. June 3, 2003: In Kashmir, there is panic among the nomadic Gujjar community. In the past year, 328 of the 485 civilians killed by Islamic rebels have been Gujjars. Although the Gujjars, nomadic herders, are Moslem, apparently the rebels feel that the Gujjars act as informants for the government. Gujjars have also refused to aid, or join, the rebels. The Pakistani government has a crises brewing in the Northwest Frontier Province. This is a largely tribal Pushtun area that began using Sharia
(Islamic) law today. Islamic radicals control the provincial legislature. The Taliban have bases along the Afghan border and the provincial government opposes attempts to root out those camps. Afghanistan and America are applying pressure to do something. But taking military action could lead to a civil war in the province. That would not be unique, but it would be messy and expensive. In Kashmir, rebel violence left three dead. Indian and Pakistani artillery exchanged fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir, leaving eight Pakistani civilians dead.
From FYEO
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Kashmir and NWFP update
