Kashmir tensions ease as India ends air restrictions

INDIA extended a tentative hand of goodwill to Pakistan yesterday when it lifted restrictions banning Pakistani aircraft from its airspace.
Delhi’s Foreign Ministry said that the move, the most significant sign that tensions are easing between the two countries, was being taken in response to a measured drop in the number of Pakistani militants crossing into Indian-administered Kashmir and it hinted at further concessions if the trend continues.

“We are engaged in a very detailed assessment of the situation on the ground. We have decided that there has been some improvement,” Nirupama Rao, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said. “We’ve decided to make this announcement in reaction to that. There has been some fall in infiltration, but the trend is not generally established yet.”