Kashmir attack sparks fear of fresh conflict between India and Pakistan

Tensions rise between nuclear-armed neighbours who have fought three wars over territory as Delhi vows to respond

The brutal militant attack that killed 26 people in one of Kashmir's most scenic spots has shattered the region's relative calm, turning a popular tourist destination into a scene of horror - and raising fears of a fresh conflict between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.

Soon after the attack in which gunmen emerged from dense pine woods and opened fire on families picnicking and riding ponies, India's defence minister, Rajnath Singh, vowed a loud and clear response".