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Pakistan Blames India for Cross-Border Shelling, 7 Troops Dead

by Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD --

   Pakistan says that overnight "unprovoked" shelling by India across the
   disputed Kashmir frontier killed seven Pakistani troops.

   The incident occurred in Bhimber sector along the "Line of Control",
   which separates Pakistani and Indian portions of the divided Himalayan
   region, according to a military statement issued Monday.

   Pakistani troops retaliated and "effectively" targeted Indian posts, it
   said, without giving further details.

   "We strongly condemn continuous unprovoked cease-fire violations by
   India at Bhimber sector, resulting in martyrdom of 7 Pakistani
   soldiers," said foreign ministry spokesman, Nafees Zakaria.

   The government in New Delhi has not yet responded to the allegation.

   India and Pakistan have been locked in intense, intermittent military
   clashes in Kashmir for weeks but Monday's causalities are the highest
   troop death toll any side has suffered so far.

   The skirmishes have also caused civilian casualties on both sides,
   forcing thousands of villagers near LoC to flee for safety.

   The fighting has torn apart a 2003 mutual cease-fire in Kashmir,
   raising fears the current tensions could escalate into another war
   between India and Pakistan.