China did not give Pakistan as much support during the Kashmir crisis as most analysts expected. This is thought to reflect Chinese annoyance at support by Pakistani radicals for Moslem rebels in the Chinese province of Xinjiang.--Stephen V Cole
September 5; Voting begins in Kashmir. The parliamentary elections are opposed by Moslem separatists, who have threatened death to anyone who votes. The voting itself will continue until October 3rd.
September 5; The Kargil Crisis (Pakistani-backed radicals infiltrating the Kargil sector of Kashmir) has driven a deep divide of mistrust between the two nations. India regards the Pakistani move as a deliberate provocation and has said that in light of this episode it doubts that any kind of normal peaceful relationship with Pakistan is possible. The Pakistanis are alarmed and outraged by India's newly drafted nuclear weapons policy (which calls for inflicting "unacceptable damage" on any nation that uses nuclear weapons against India) and have refused to accept any "no first use" deal since Islamabad regards nuclear weapons as a means of deterring a conventional Indian attack. India will shortly introduce the Agni-II missile, which has a range of 2,000km.--Stephen V Cole
September 4; In Handwara, Kashmir, Indian commandos stormed a government building where Moslem separatists were holding six hostages (all Indian intelligence officials). Five of the hostages were rescued, and the three separatists were killed. The militants had earlier killed one of the hostages, which were taken early in the day.
September 4; Indian commandos assaulted a government building in Srinagar, Kashmir, where, earlier in the day, Muslim guerillas had taken six hostages. One of the hostages was killed before the commandos attacked. All three of the guerillas were killed in the attack. The hostages all worked for Indian security organizations in Kashmir. Meanwhile, on the Line of Control separating Indian and Pakistani portions of Kashmir, artillery fire killed nine Indian troops and wounded ten. Two civilian porters were also injured. Up on the line of control, Pakistani artillery took Indian soldiers by surprise, killing nine and wounding ten.
September 2; The Indian military is short 14,500 officers, and the number of officers resigning each year (about 600) is double the rate of a few years ago. The officers are reportedly unhappy with their work environment and the frequent deployments to combat in Kashmir.--Stephen V Cole
September 2; India has reportedly shown strong interest in buying the Israeli Arrow anti-missile system, or perhaps the new Russian S400 system, to provide some protection for key areas from Pakistani missile attacks.--Stephen V Cole
September 2; Pakistan has released the two Indian captured on the Kashmir Line of Control on August 30.
September 1; Over a thousand artillery and mortar rounds flew back and forth along the Line of Control. Both sides accused the other of instigating the fighting. Some 40 soldiers were killed and many more were injured.
