In the days since, tensions have risen dangerously between India and Pakistan, which have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir.

Relations between India and Pakistan are cratering following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has sparked tit-for-tat reprisals and raised fears of another military escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Armed police and soldiers searched homes and forests for militants in Indian Kashmir on Friday and India's army chief reviewed security there after the killing of 26 men at a tourist site - the worst attack on civilians in nearly two decades.