SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Troops of India and Pakistan Thursday exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, officials said.
The two sides exchanged fire on LoC in Naushera and Krishna Ghati sectors of frontier Rajouri and Poonch district respectively.
Defense officials said the exchange started at around 7:20 a.m. local time and was going on until last reports poured in.
There were no reports of any casualty or damage on Indian side due to Pakistani firing.
An increase in the cease-fire violations on LoC was recorded since last month and several civilian killings were reported on both sides of LoC. The firing on LoC also triggered civilian migrations from frontier areas of Rajouri last month.
Year 2016 also saw a surge in skirmishes on International Border (IB) and LoC between the two countries. Apart from troop casualties, the firing has claimed civilian lives on both sides, besides prompting migrations of residents from frontier areas.
Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir..
