Pakistani soldier killed in Kashmir shelling
Military says one killed and another wounded after “unprovoked” shelling by Indian forces in disputed territory.
A Pakistani army officer has been killed and a soldier wounded after shelling across the de facto border with India in the disputed territory of Kashmir, the Pakistani military says.
The military said that Indian forces opened “unprovoked fire” from across the Line of Control, which divides Indian- and Pakistani-administered Kashmir at 11:15pm local time on Tuesday night (18:15 GMT).
The incident took place in the Shakma sector and the exchange of fire continued for at least three hours, the military said.
There was no immediate response from the Indian army or government.
Recent weeks have seen an escalation in tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, with several soldiers killed on both sides of the border, which either side declares to be unilateral violations of a 2003 ceasefire by the other country.
The latest crisis began after the Indian government accused Pakistan of having supported an incursion into Indian territory which resulted in the deaths of five Indian soldiers on August 6. Islamabad denied the allegation.
Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India but claimed in its entirety by both. The countries have fought two major wars over the disputed territory.
India’s Defence Minister AK Antony said on Monday that the army would take “all possible steps” to counter ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the border.