India, Pakistan Troops Trade Fire, Blame in Kashmir
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Indian and Pakistani troops are continuing to trade heavy gunfire and mortar rounds along the highly militarized line of control dividing the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir between the two arch rivals.
Indian army spokesman Lt. Col. Manish Mehta said Pakistani troops were fired on Indian positions for a seventh day Sunday in Balakote and Poonch sectors.
Indian police officer Danish Rana said six civilians have died in the Pakistani shelling over the weekend. At least 17 others were wounded.
Pakistan's army said that two civilians have been killed and two others wounded in the fighting.
Each side blames the other for starting the violence, according to a Sunday AP report.
Despite a 2003 cease-fire, the two neighbors regularly trade fire, the latest coming as India celebrated Independence Day on Saturday. Pakistan observed it a day earlier.
