India, Pakistan in Kashmir clash

An Indian soldier has been killed by Pakistani troops who crossed the Line of Control dividing the disputed territory of Kashmir, India says.

Indian and Pakistani troops have observed a ceasefire since 2003

A spokesman for the Indian army, Anil Kumar Mathur, told the BBC that 10 to 12 Pakistani soldiers had entered Indian territory.

He said that shots were exchanged after an argument, and that firing had continued until Monday evening.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir.

Lt Col Mathur said that the Pakistani troops were protesting over an Indian post set up on the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowgam sector.

He said that one Indian soldier was wounded before the Pakistani soldiers retreated to their side of the LoC, firing at Indian soldiers as they did so. Indian troops returned fire and clashes are reported to be continuing.

Pakistan's army spokesman said he had no information on the clash.

It is not yet clear whether any Pakistani troops were killed or injured.

The BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar - the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir - says that that two sides have on several occasions accused each other of violating the ceasefire along the LoC since it was declared in November 2003.

Our correspondent says that despite the alleged violations, the ceasefire has so far held after months of relative peace. BBC