SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, July 8 (Xinhua) -- A civilian was killed and another wounded Wednesday after troops of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, Indian army officials said.
The two sides exchanged fire early Wednesday on LoC in Balakote and Mendhar sectors of frontier Poonch district, about 185 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"The exchange of fire went on for sometime after which guns fell silent," an Indian army official said.
On Monday Pakistan military's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said five civilians including two boys and two elderly women were wounded due to Indian army's firing on their side in Nikial sector along LOC. The ISPR said Pakistan army responded effectively to Indian firing.
There has been a surge in cease-fire violations on LoC over a past one month.
The troops of India and Pakistan intermittently exchange fire on LoC and International Border (IB) in Kashmir, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe a cease-fire. However, the cease-fire remains in effect. New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain their troops gave a befitting reply to the other.
LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.
India and Pakistan are at loggerheads with each other. There has been no considerable improvement in relations of the two countries or resumption of bilateral relations ever since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India in 2014 for the first time.
