Kashmir has been disputed by India and Pakistan since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947.

The two neighbours, now nuclear powers, have twice waged war over Kashmir, which is over 60% Muslim.

The mountainous region is divided by a Line of Control, often breached by separatist militants.

The Indian side - Jammu and Kashmir state - is home to about nine million people. Some three million live in the northern part administered by Pakistan.

Kashmiris have never voted on accession

Islamabad says Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan in 1947 because of the province's Muslim majority.

Kashmir was free to become part of India or Pakistan but its ruler held out hoping to remain independent.

But in October 1947, Pakistani-backed tribesmen invaded Kashmir. The maharaja ceded to India which promised to hold a UN-supervised plebiscite.

Kashmir has never been allowed to vote on its future. India says a solution must be found through bilateral talks.

Unrest in 1999 raised fears of a nuclear conflict in South Asia

The first Indo-Pakistani war started with the October 1947 incursion and the arrival of Indian forces in Kashmir.

The conflict ended in January 1949. A ceasefire line - now known as the Line of Control - was agreed and the UN recommended a referendum on accession.

War broke out again in 1965 after a Pakistani offensive across the line.

In 1999, fighting between Indian and Pakistani-backed forces in Indian Kashmir led to a new conflict but not full-scale war.

Armed separatists often infiltrate Indian-administered Kashmir

Since 1989, Kashmir has seen a growing, and often violent, Muslim separatist movement against Indian rule.

Some separatists favour independence, others would like Kashmir to be part of Pakistan.

India says Pakistan gives the militants logistical and material support - a claim rejected by Islamabad.

Years of separatist attacks and cross-border firing between the Indian and Pakistani armies have left tens of thousands of people dead.

Talks bring new hopes to families separated by the Line of Control

In 2004 Pakistan and India embarked on a peace process - major sticking points on both sides have yet to be overcome.

Delhi would like the Line of Control to become an international border, while Islamabad would like Muslim-majority areas to become part of Pakistan.

Pakistan wants the separatists included in the talks, but India says there is no space for any third party.

Both sides are exploring starting a bus link which would allow some families to meet for the first time in decades.