The Army said on Thursday that Indian occupation forces fired at a border post in the held Kashmir, killing three of its troops. India said one of its officers was killed. The incident occurred Tuesday night in the Neelam Valley at the Line of Control, which divides the parts of Kashmir administered by the two countries, said Pakistani military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas, who confirmed the incident only Thursday.
Indian Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel JS Brar said he could not "reject or accept" Pakistani claims of casualties but said Tuesday's clash occurred as separatist militants tried to infiltrate into Indian-administered Kashmir.
"The infiltration bid was foiled, but we lost a junior commissioned officer in the incident," he said. He said Pakistani forces had violated a cease-fire twice in the same area Wednesday night and Thursday by firing on Indian posts and the exchange was continuing. "The matter will be taken at the level of local commanders after the situation returns to normal in the area," he added. The Indian Army said that the firing from the Pakistani side is apparently aimed at giving cover to militants trying to sneak into India before the mountainous passes close with heavy snowfall.