India, Pakistan step up border fighting ahead of Kerry visit
Indian and Pakistani troops intensified cross-border firing on Monday, killing an Indian border guard and forcing hundreds of villagers to flee, escalating tensions before visits by top US officials.
India said four Pakistanis planning an attack on Indian soil were killed, although Indian media and opposition parties disputed the official account. The Pakistani army confirmed two civilian deaths from Indian shelling.
Amid the growing hostility, India's security agencies last week declared a nationwide alert to avoid militant strikes in the lead-up to visits by top US diplomat John Kerry and President Barack Obama later in January.
Kerry is due to speak at the weekend before an investment summit in Gujarat, at the furthest end of the Pakistani border from Kashmir, the organizers said. Obama will attend India's Republic Day military parade on Jan 26.
