Kashmir Killings: Pakistan hits back at India accusations

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

It called India’s stance a “blatant effort” to deflect attention from human rights abuses in Kashmir.

Indian Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh called Pakistan a “terrorist state” soon after Sunday’s assault.

Seventeen soldiers died in the raid. One soldier succumbed to his injuries on Monday, taking the death toll to 18.

The assault comes as violent demonstrations against Indian rule in the contested area continue, with a curfew.

More than 80 people, nearly all anti-government protesters, have expired in more than two months of violence.

Local media reported that several top level government officials, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence

Minister Manohar Parrikar attended the meeting, held at the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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