Pakistan says five killed by Indian fire in Kashmir flare-up

Pakistan says “unprovoked firing” by India across the heavily militarized de facto border in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir has killed three soldiers and two civilians in separate incidents.

The Pakistani military said in a statement on Thursday that its troops returned fire, killing five Indian soldiers and damaging their bunkers.

"In efforts to divert attention from precarious situation in IOJ&K (Indian-held Kashmir), Indian Army increases firing along LOC. 3 Pakistani soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom). Pakistan Army responded effectively," the statement read.

"5 Indian soldiers killed, many injured, bunkers damaged. Intermittent exchange of fire continues," it added.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesman of Pakistan's armed forces, also tweeted that its three soldiers had died along with five Indian troops along the contested border.

 "Intermittent exchange of fire continues," Ghafoor said.

An Indian army spokesman denied any casualties. "No casualties. This assertion is wrong," the spokesman said.

In a statement, the Indian army said that from around 0700 local time, Pakistan violated a ceasefire between the two nations.

Separately, Pakistani officials said two civilians died when mortars fired by India hit a village in Poonch town. They said intermittent exchanges of fire between the two sides had been going on since morning.

Pakistan’s army chief earlier said the country’s military would “go to any extent” to support people in the disputed Himalayan valley.

Diplomatic sources said the 15-member Security Council is scheduled to discuss India's move to strip Kashmir of its autonomy at a meeting behind closed doors on Friday

Poland, which currently holds the council's rotating presidency, has listed the matter for discussion at 10:00 am (1400 GMT) Friday,

The meeting comes at the request of China and Pakistan to discuss India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

SS