India, Pakistan troops clash on Kashmir LoC

The troops of India and Pakistan Monday exchanged heavy fire on Line of Control (LoC) in restive Kashmir, thereby violating cease-fire agreement again, officials said.

The militaries on two sides targeted each other's positions and exchanged fire in frontier Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in forward posts along the LoC at Krishnagati and Mandi sectors of Poonch district, Balakote sector of Rajouri district and Pallanwala sector of Jammu district on Sunday night," an Indian defense official said.

India's official broadcaster - All India radio (AIR) Monday said Indian side effectively retaliated to the firing from Pakistan side.

"Army troops guarding the LoC took positions and retaliated effectively resulting in exchange of firing, which lasted till midnight," the broadcaster quoted Indian military spokesman as having said. "There has been no loss of life on our side due to firing."

On Saturday, a similar skirmish between the two sides took place on International Border (IB) in frontier area of Akhnoor of Jammu district.

Both New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain that their troops give befitting reply to the other side.

The troops of India and Pakistan intermittently exchange fire on 720 km-long Line of Control (LoC) and 198 km IB in Kashmir, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe cease-fire. Though some violations have been reported on both sides, the cease-fire however remains in effect.

According to AIR, 18 cease-fire violations were recorded in July, during which four persons including three troopers were killed, and 14 others wounded.