New Delhi: More than six decades after independence from the British Raj, ties between India and Pakistan continue to be marred by mutual distrust.
Over the past 66 years, India and Pakistan have fought three major wars and been involved in a number of minor conflicts.
Recent hostilities along the common border suggest this won't change anytime soon.
Starting from the mid-January 2013, they have been described as the "worst bout of fighting in the JK region in nearly 10 years".
It began on 6 January 2013, Indian and Pakistani forces attacked each others border post, killing one Pak soldier.
In a second skirmish on 8 January, Indian authorities said that Pakistani forces crossed the LoC, killing two Indian soldiers.
The incident sparked outrage in India and harsh reactions by the Indian army and government over the news that the body of one of the soldiers, Lance Naik Hemraj, had been beheaded.
Pakistan denied these reports.
On 15 January, a third skirmish reportedly led to the death of another Pakistani soldier.
After talks between Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia and Major General Ashfaq Nadeem, an understanding was reached to de-escalate the situation.
But the skirmishes continued despite peace efforts by the countries resulting in 8 Indian casualties in total and 9 Pakistani casualties till August. Civilians were also affected adversely by the border skirmishes.
Here is the month-wise report of border skirmishes between the two arch-rivals:
