Kashmir: Civilians flee as border clashes continue

Hundreds of villagers are fleeing their homes in Indian-administered Kashmir as Indian and Pakistani troops continue to exchange fire in some of the worst violence in the region in a decade, the BBC reported.

At least 16 people have been killed since violence began last Friday - nine of them Pakistani and seven Indian.

Both sides have accused each other of starting the hostilities.

A ceasefire agreed in 2003 remains in place, but the neighbours often accuse each other of violating it.

The latest round of hostilities come just months after India's new Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to his inauguration.

But relations have deteriorated since then.

In August, India cancelled talks with Pakistan after accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs.

And last month, Mr Modi, in his first speech at the UN, said he wanted peace talks with Pakistan but insisted it must create an "appropriate atmosphere."