The neighbors have been in conflict over the disputed border region since their independence and partition in 1947.

Many in the region are preparing for a possible military confrontation between India and Pakistan because of a terrorist attack two weeks ago.

India and Pakistan are exchanging heavy artillery fire across the line of control that divides Kashmir into Indian- and Pakistani-administered areas. The cross-border fighting began after India launched a major military operation with a series of airstrikes on nine sites,