Washington - The US President, Mr George Bush, yesterday called on Pakistan and India to "stand down" after they traded fire across the Kashmir bordere, as the US Secretary of State, Mr Colin Powell, conducted a delicate diplomatic mission to South Asia. "It is very important that India and Pakistan stand down during our activities in Afghanistan, for that matter forever," Mr Bush told reporters at the White House.
Indian defence sources said their gunners attacked at least 11 Pakistani posts across the southern border of Indian-administered Kashmir killing 11 Islamic guerrillas. Pakistani authorities said one woman was killed and 25 civilians were injured. The incident came as Mr Powell arrived in Islamabad to discuss the war on terrorism and possible measures to reduce tensions over Kashmir.