SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 16 (Xinhua) -- An Indian army trooper was killed Friday in skirmishes with Pakistani troops on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, Indian officials said.
The two sides exchanged fire on LoC in Nowshera sector of frontier Rajouri district, about 222 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"In the exchange of fire, a trooper Bakhtawar Singh was grievously wounded. The trooper later succumbed to his wounds while being evacuated to the military hospital," Lt Col Manish Mehta, Indian army spokesman said.
There has been no report yet of the conflicts from the Pakistani side.
An increase in the cease-fire violations on LoC was recorded since beginning of 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.
Both New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain that their troops gave befitting reply.
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.
