7 Pakistani soldiers killed on Kashmir frontier

By Aamir Latif

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

Seven Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Indian shelling on the border in the disputed Kashmir region, the Pakistani military said Monday.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) agency said unprovoked firing by India forces at the Bhimber sector of the Line of Control on Sunday night caused the deaths.

“Pakistani troops responded to unprovoked Indian firing and targeted Indian posts effectively,” the ISPR said in a statement.

Intensified shelling along the frontier has claimed dozens of lives, including civilians, on both sides in recent weeks. Tensions in the region were raised in July following pro-independence protests in the Indian-controlled region in response to the killing of a militant.

In September, 19 Indian soldiers were killed by militants that India has claimed were linked to Pakistan.

The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir since partition in 1947.