Kashmir attack: Pakistan hits back at India accusations

The militant attack was the deadliest on Indian security forces in Kashmir in years

Pakistan has hit back after India accused it of masterminding a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 18 soldiers.

A statement from Pakistan's foreign ministry condemned the "vitriolic statements" by India. It called India's stance a "blatant attempt" to deflect attention from human rights abuses in Kashmir.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attacks

Indian Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh called Pakistan a "terrorist state" soon after Sunday's attack. Seventeen soldiers died in the raid. One soldier succumbed to his injuries on Monday, taking the death toll to 18.

The attack has caused anger in India

The attack comes as violent protests against Indian rule in the disputed region continue, with a curfew imposed. More than 80 people, nearly all anti-government protesters, have died in more than two months of violence.


India held a high-level meeting to discuss an "appropriate response" to Sunday's attack  the worst on its security forces in Kashmir in years.

 Local media reported that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several top level government officials attended the meeting, held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence.

Both India and Pakistan claim all of Muslim-majority Kashmir in its entirety but only control parts of it.