Indian trooper killed in firing across Kashmir border

May 15, 2011, 8:38 GMT

New Delhi - An Indian trooper was killed when Pakistani snipers allegedly opened fire across the tense border dividing the Kashmir region, a media report said Sunday citing security forces.

The incident occurred Saturday night in India-administered Kashmir's southern Suchetgarh region, 45 kilometres west of the state's winter capital Jammu, the NDTV network reported.

Pakistani snipers fired on a Border Security Force (BSF) patrolling team, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which a soldier was killed, BSF sources told the news channel.

Pakistani rangers opened fire at another Indian post in the region on Sunday morning after which the BSF lodged a strong protest with Pakistani authorities.

Terming the incidents as ceasefire violations, the BSF sought a flag meeting among regional commanders to discuss the issue of firing.

Kashmir is divided into two parts, one administered by India and the other by Pakistan. The neighbours have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir since their independence from Britain in 1947.

There were almost daily exchanges of fire across the borders in Kashmir until the two sides signed a ceasefire in late 2003, but violations have been reported from time to time.

India has often accused Pakistan of supporting an armed separatist movement in predominantly Muslim Kashmir and helping militants cross into India-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has denied the Indian accusations.

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