Pakistani militants promise surge in attacks on Indian forces in Kashmir

Pakistani militants say they are preparing to launch a fresh wave of attacks on Indian targets in Kashmir when Jihadi groups leave Afghanistan with the withdrawal of Nato troops next year.

The declaration by Syed Salahudeen, head of the United Jihad Council, an umbrella organisation of groups fighting against Indian rule in the disputed territory, will deal a blow to efforts by the new government in Islamabad to improve relations with New Delhi.

Mr Salahudeen said thousands of militants would return from Afghanistan when Nato combat forces completed their withdrawal by the end of 2014.

“The coming months and years will see a tremendous surge in mujahedeen's activities in Indian Kashmir,” he told the AFP news agency.

“The encounter between mujahedeen and Indian forces will enhance to an unprecedented level. The increase in attacks will be enormous and Indian forces will face huge losses.”

Kashmir remains a bloody bone of contention between the two nuclear rivals.