India, Pakistan troops exchange fire on Kashmir LoC

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir - Troops of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions Friday on Line of Control (LoC) dividing Kashmir, officials said.

The two sides exchanged fire in Nowgam sector of frontier Kupwara district, about 165 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation early this morning along the LoC in Naugam Sector, Kupwara by firing mortars and other weapons. A befitting response is being given," Indian army spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said.

According to officials, the exchange was still going on.

Separately a similar exchange took place in the morning in Balakote sector of district Poonch, about 180 km southwest of Srinagar.

The troops of India and Pakistan intermittently exchange fire on LoC and International Border (IB) in Kashmir, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe a ceasefire. New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements.

LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.