Indian army soldiers patrol near the Line of Control, a ceasefire line dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan, in Poonch district in this August 7, 2013 file photo. PHOTO: REUTERS
Tensions have flared again in the heavily militarised Kashmir valley with the nuclear-armed neighbours accusing each other of cross-border firing.
The latest incident took place when "Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing in the wee hours Monday" in three areas along the de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC), a military official said.
"Pakistani troops effectively responded to Indian firing," he said, adding that one civilian was killed "due to unprovoked Indian shelling".
The prime minister of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, led a 400-strong protest march to the UN observer mission in Muzaffarabad to demand action to restore peace.
"It is responsibility of the UN observer mission to keep peace in Kashmir," he told protesters.
"They should fulfil their responsibility by playing a role to stop shelling from India and restore calm in the valley."
Indian Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday hinted at stronger military action along the LoC after Delhi accused Pakistan's army of involvement in a deadly overnight ambush that killed five Indian soldiers last Monday.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tried to ease tensions with India by urging both sides to work swiftly to shore up a 10-year ceasefire threatened by the recent attacks.
On Sunday, Pakistan accused India of firing on border posts in Kashmir and neighbouring Punjab province.
The picturesque Himalayan territory of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan by the UN-monitored LoC, but is claimed in full by both countries.
A deadly flare-up along the LoC in January brought peace talks to a halt.
They had only just resumed after a three-year hiatus sparked by the 2008 attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people. India blamed Pakistani militants for the attack.
More than a dozen armed groups have been fighting Indian forces since 1989, demanding independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir.
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As we get information through news we come to know that the violation of LOC and international border by land forces and Air forces is routine matter from both sides but it is only highlighted when somebody killed. For routine violation nobody cares. I think both countries must show maturity and stop all which take us apart. We must understand the problem is on both side..
@ Saim baig
Almost all your information is wrong,brother. You seem to have gotten all your general knowledge at your local madrassah.
BJP,is a opposition Party,due to its statements and unleashed protest,leveling baseless allegation against Pakistan and other aggressive activities has crossed beyond limits. It has created chance of war between two neighboures who are nuclear powers.
No doubt, incident has taken place and five soldiers were killed unprovoked firing was committed by the side still not confirmed who is really responsible because no enquiry team has been constituted .
According to my considered opinion,at this stage and in view of the deteriorating situation United Nation should move forward volantarilly take the situation under control avoiding destructive expected circumstance.
Independent and reliable sources says that secretary general of United Nation has come into motion and both countries,India and Pakistan has been offered conciliation based on negotiation.
Now its depend on both the countries to response positivelly,Indian behave must be cooperative in this connection
Fair and impartial investigation of the tregic incident is indispensable,investigators be appointed with consent of Indian Pakistan and United nation with assistance of United States should lead the issue.to the peace process between the two nuclear armed states.
So why don't indians realize about India's past record of spreading terrorism in neighboring countries!! Violating seize fire, threatening celebrities, dosti bus passengers, PIA staff, attacking high commission offices are not acts of a mature nation. Threats threats threats !!! India can do no more!!
@Salma - hmn, pls decide who owns TTP : CIA/RAW/Mossad or all 3 together?
In other news, ostriches in Pakistani zoos are burying their heads deeper as they sense serious threat from general awaam who keep getting better with this exercise..
@Saim Baig: So since you made the big threats about knowing how to deal with India, please let us know how you would go about it differently from the past when you started and lost all wars with India.
@Saim Baig: 'Looks like India isn’t in a mood of talking this through. We know exactly how to treat bullies.' +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sir Your past record of achievements in this regard truly supports your claim. Well Done.
ET !! I am not a GOONGA. where is my VOICE PLEASE ???
@Indian Our Taliban bullies or your paid bullies will turn against you on this issue!!! As they have a habit to turn against their masters. And if they do, boy!!!! They will give you a run for you money dude!!!
@Indian @Indi India can only speak against Pakistan!! Can't do a thing. It has been exposed now that India is behind separatists In Baluchistan just like it was doing in Sri Lanka. Just like it has border issues with Bangladesh & China!! So the problem is India not anyone else. I need to remind Indians that this is an expensive game which Indian politicians are trying to play for their Election campaign!!!
How Pakistan thinks about Taliban as a menace, India too considers Pakistan as a menace interfering in Kashmir and supporting terrorists and performing acts of terrorism in India.Image of Pakistan in India is very very bad, Pakistan has a better image internationally than in India. Pakistan urgently needs a image make over.
A satirical take on India-Pakistan tensions: http://yellowdoggie.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/serving-indian-operatives-denounce-retired-officials-hawkish-stance-on-pakistan/
@Saim Baig: by getting smashed in 4 wars... hmmm :)
This tit for tat is looking very childish now. this clearly shows that both sides are not talking to each other. Sit down across the table and sort it out guys.
and this is Indian version of the story, it is clear that Pakistan started violation purposely.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistan-violates-ceasefire-again-armed-forces-free-to-respond-to-situation-on-LoC-Antony-says/articleshow/21772502.cms
@Saim Baig: First learn to treat your own taliban bullies.
we strongly reject pakistanis accuses.
Typical of coward indians to kill civilians. Their terrorists like sarabjit singh kill civilians in pakistan and they regard them as their national heros. Their politicians like modi the mass murderer massacres thousands of unarmed, innocent children, women and men by armed gangs of hindu terrorist outfits like RSS, VHP, BJP and armed police force and the indians aspire to make him their prime minister
"We know exactly how to treat bullies".
Start another war? With Pakistan's finance in dire situation, it cannot conduct even a seven day war. Outcome: loose and then paint your face black.
@Saim Baig: We know exactly how to treat bullies. And how is that, pray? Any examples?
Looks like India isn't in a mood of talking this through. We know exactly how to treat bullies.
Each side should control itself.