Three Pakistani soldiers killed by Indian fire in Kashmir: Pakistani army

Pakistan’s military says three soldiers have been killed in the disputed Kashmir region by Indian fire across the Line of Control.

Pakistan’s military said in a statement on Tuesday that the three had been killed Monday in Rawalakot in Kashmir.

The statement described the cross-border firing as “unprovoked” and a ceasefire violation.

There was no immediate comment from India, but the two countries routinely trade accusations of initiating fire.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan but claimed in full by both since the two were partitioned and gained independence from Britain in 1947. The two countries have fought three wars over the disputed territory.

Pakistan and India reached a ceasefire in Kashmir in 2003. The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has been monitoring the border for decades. However, sporadic skirmishes continue in the region.

People in Indian-controlled Kashmir have for years demanded independence or a merger with Pakistan. India polices the region with a 500,000-strong military force.

About 70,000 people have been killed in clashes in Kashmir since 1989.