Exchange of Fire between Indian and Pakistani Troops in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, INDIA (NNN-XINHUA) -- The India and Pakistan armies exchanged fire across the Line-of-Control (LoC), a de facto border dividing Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani controlled parts, on Monday night, officials said Tuesday.

The exchange took place along the LoC in frontier Poonch district, around 255 km northwest of Jammu city, the winter capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, at 21:45 pm local time.

An Indian army spokesman said the ceasefire violation took place after Pakistani troopers resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts.

"Pakistani troops from a forward post fired several rockets and small arms on our posts in Poonch sector," the spokesman said.

The Indian army also fired in retaliation.

"Our troopers also retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for several hours," the spokesman said.

In the standoff, however, no loss of life or damage to property was reported on this side.

Earlier, the Indian army said Pakistani troopers fired on Indian positions on Sunday evening along the Karnah sector in frontier Kupwara district, around 140 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

New Delhi and Islamabad in 2003 agreed to observe a ceasefire along the International Border and LoC in Kashmir. Although some violations have been reported on both sides, the ceasefire remains in effect. -- NNN-XINHUA