Thaindian News

SRINAGAR, KASHMIR (BNO NEWS) — An Indian soldier was killed after Pakistani and Indian troops exchanged fire at a border spot near Jammu, the winter capital of the disputed Kashmir region, Press Trust of India reported on Sunday.

Pakistani troops allegedly fired on a Border Security Force (BSF) patrol on Saturday evening in Budhwar in Suchetgarh sector, 45 kilometers (27.96 miles) from Jammu.

A senior BSF officer said on Sunday morning Pakistani rangers opened “unprovoked firing” on Indian border checkpoints which lasted over 45 minutes. He added that the BSF returned the fire, but there were no casualties on the Indian side.

The BSF sought a flag meeting to discuss the issue of firing since it is considered a ceasefire violation. In 2003, both countries agreed to a ceasefire after daily exchanges of fire across the border.

Pakistan’s the Nation, however, reported that Indian troops used mortar bombs and sporadic firing, forcing Pakistani troops to respond. It added that Pakistan’s army has demanded a flag meeting over the volatile and flagrant violation of borders.

India and Pakistan have been fighting over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which is divided into parts administered by both countries. According to the Indian government, more than 45,000 people - including civilians, militants and troops - have died in the region over the past two decades.