India and Pakistan exchange fire for third night in Kashmir
India has accused Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism" after gunmen carried out the worst attack on civilians in Kashmir in 25 years.
The Indian military said on Sunday there had been 'unprovoked' firing of small arms 'initiated by Pakistan' along the Line of Control, which separates the two countries. (Photo: Reuters)
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TROOPS from India and Pakistan exchanged fire in Kashmir for a third consecutive night, officials said on Sunday, as relations between the two countries continued to deteriorate.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism" after gunmen carried out the worst attack on civilians in Kashmir in 25 years.
Islamabad has denied involvement, describing attempts to link Pakistan to the attack as "frivolous" and said it would respond to any Indian action.
Indian security forces have launched a manhunt for those responsible for killing 26 men at a tourist hotspot in Pahalgam on April 22.
The Indian military said on Sunday there had been "unprovoked" firing of small arms "initiated by Pakistan" along the Line of Control, which separates the two countries.
"(Our) own troops responded effectively with appropriate small arms fire," the military said.
Pakistan has not yet confirmed the latest exchange of fire.
Indian police have issued wanted posters for three men — two Pakistanis and one Indian — who they say are members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, a UN-designated terrorist organisation.
India's federal home ministry has handed over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which focuses on counter-terrorism.
The agency said it was examining eyewitnesses, scrutinising entry and exit points, and collecting forensic evidence.
"The eyewitnesses are being questioned in minute detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir," it said in a statement.
Houses bombed
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, with both countries claiming the territory in full but administering separate parts.
Rebel groups have waged an insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir since 1989, demanding either independence or a merger with Pakistan.
On Saturday, soldiers in Indian-administered Kashmir destroyed the family home of one of the Pahalgam attack suspects. The house of Farooq Ahmad Tadwa was demolished in Kupwara district, as part of a series of actions targeting houses of alleged terrorists.
A police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that nine houses belonging to the terrorists have been bombed since the Pahalgam attack.
Following the attack, New Delhi suspended a water-sharing treaty, closed the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and withdrew visas for Pakistani nationals.
In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian nationals — except for Sikh pilgrims — and closed the main border crossing from its side.
The United Nations has urged both countries to exercise "maximum restraint" and resolve issues "peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement".
The Pahalgam attack marks a change in the pattern of recent Kashmiri rebel attacks, which have usually targeted Indian security forces.
Analysts said an Indian military response may be underway. "There will be military retaliation and we are prepared. We are discussing the nature of the strike," The Indian Express newspaper quoted a top government source as saying on Sunday.
In 2019, a suicide attack killed 41 Indian troops in Kashmir and led to Indian air strikes inside Pakistan, bringing the two countries close to full-scale war.
Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.
MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.
The annual free event, themed “Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate”, drew long queues stretching for miles as crowds gathered for Indian music, dance performances, devotional bhajans, and street food stalls. The family-friendly activities included sari and turban tying, yoga and meditation sessions, henna art, puppet shows, and dance workshops.
“Those of you here are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also proudly Hindu, Sikh and Jain; you can be a proud Londoner and celebrate Diwali,” Khan said, addressing the crowd.
“Yet there are people across our country and across the globe that try and divide communities, try and turn one against the other – turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists, you show our city at its very, very best. You show the importance of the teachings of Diwali… how light defeats darkness, good defeats evil,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali on Trafalgar Square today and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
I wish a very happy Diwali to London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities as they celebrate next week. pic.twitter.com/sollzFChF0 — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 12, 2025
The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.
Diwali on the Square was organised in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London (DiL) committee, supported this year by Chinmaya Mission UK as chair, along with partner organisations Remitly, Lidl, and Daawat.
“It has been a privilege to serve as part of the chair team in helping to coordinate this spectacular and popular annual event in the heart of London’s iconic square, which brings together a diverse range of organisations and communities in a spirit of unity,” said Dr Milen Shah of Chinmaya Mission UK.
“This enjoyable, educational, and wonderful event will shine a light on the deeper meaning and purpose of Diwali for all who attend,” he said.
The celebration opened with around 200 dancers from different parts of India performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square, followed by musical performances and dance-dramas depicting the story of Diwali and how it is celebrated across communities.
“At its core, Diwali is a joyful celebration of the universal values of harmony, strength in diversity and hope,” said Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK.
“This festival also epitomises the energy, creativity and contribution of the Indian diaspora and community that has enriched the very fabric of the social life of this great city. It is also a vibrant symbol of the India-UK friendship, and the recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Starmer (to India) adds another element of bonhomie,” he said.
Starmer was in Mumbai last week for a two-day visit during which both countries agreed to give fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build on opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agreed in July.
“We are honoured to join London’s South Asian communities in marking this significant cultural tradition, one that continues to enrich the city’s diverse fabric while inspiring people worldwide,” said a spokesperson for international money transfer firm Remitly.
“As a company dedicated to fostering connection and care, we take pride in supporting this important festival and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“With cultural marquees and family-friendly activities throughout the square, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” added Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee.
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