Violence is down in Kashmir. In 2002, 1,707 rebels were killed compared to 2,020 in 2001. The same pattern is seen in deaths of security personnel (453 versus 536). The sharpest decline was in suicide attacks, with only ten last year versus 28 in 2001. Pakistan sees the decline in violence as proof that they are reining in the rebels. But the Indians point out that the violence is only down fifteen percent, and is still substantial.
Indian and Pakistani artillery exchanged fire along the Line of Control, leaving four Pakistani civilians dead.