India, Pakistan exchange fire in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir - India and Pakistan armies Tuesday exchanged fire on Line-of-Control (LoC) in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The ceasefire violation took place Tuesday morning along the LoC in Uri sector of frontier Baramulla district, around 110 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir.

"Last night Pakistani army fired small and heavy arms on our posts in Uri and this morning we responded and gave them a befitting reply," said Bipin Rawat, a senior Indian army officer. "The Pakistani army has been intermittently violating the ceasefire for past one month in Uri sector."

Reports said the ceasefire violation continued for several hours. However, no loss of life or damage to property was reported in this exchange.The officer said Pakistani authorities have refused their request for a flag meeting after last month's ceasefire violation in Uri sector.

Three civilians were killed after Pakistani troopers fired mortars towards Churunda village of Uri last month.

Rawat told reporters ceasefire violations by Pakistani army were meant to help infiltration.

LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani controlled parts.

New Delhi and Islamabad in 2003 agreed to observe a ceasefire along the International Border and LoC in Kashmir. Though some violations have been reported on both sides, the ceasefire remains in effect.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from British, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.