Pakistani troops opened heavy mortar fire on the disputed Kashmir border, a day after clashes in which 17 soldiers from both sides reportedly died, an army official said.
Major Sanjay Khanna said Pakistani troops had fired "at least 1,200 mortar shells in Nowshera," in the southern district of Rajouri.
"There has been moderate shelling in Poonch with about 250 shells fired and 450 shells fired in the Pallanwala sector," he said.
"The attacks were unprovoked and the shelling is continuing. We are retaliating," he said. "We think two men on their side may have died. There are no casualties on our side."
On Saturday, the Indian army said up to 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed after troops repulsed a Pakistani raid in Rajouri, which is situated opposite the Pakistani area of Bhimber.
An army spokesman said only one Indian soldier was injured in the clash.
Later in the day, Islamabad said Pakistani troops killed five Indian soldiers and injured a large number of others in a clash early Saturday in Bhiber, opposite Rajouri.
The fighting erupted when Indian troops attacked a forward Pakistani post in Khanjar area of Bhimber sector, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a statement.
The Indian attack, which was "heavily supported" by artillery, mortar and small arms fire, was repulsed, it said, adding that three Pakistani soldiers suffered injuries.
India holds two-thirds of Kashmir and Pakistan the remainder of the divided Himalayan state. The row over Kashmir has caused two of the three wars between the South Asian neighbors since their independence in 1947 -- JAMMU, India (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
