No deaths reported in Line of Control fighting between India, Pakistan

Pakistani troops Monday violated a cease-fire, directing mortar shells and small-arms fire at Indian posts along the Line of Control, Indian officials say. Indian troops guarding the area responded, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire, the Press Trust of India reported. No injuries or deaths were reported in the nearly four hours of fighting. The Line of Control is the military control line between the Indian and Pakistani-controlled parts that include the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. While it isn't a legally recognized international boundary, it is the de facto border. "Pakistan troops opened heavy firing with small arms, mortar shells and rockets on Indian forward posts," Defense Ministry spokesman S.N. Acharya said. "It was yet another cease-fire violation by Pakistan." Indian officials said it was the fifth cease-fire violation by Pakistani forces in three days. Indian armed forces "have freedom to respond to the developing situation there appropriately," Defense Minister A.K. Antony said Monday.