One soldier killed after India, Pakistan exchange border fire

2011-05-15 21:03:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

SRINAGAR, KASHMIR (BNO NEWS) -- An Indian soldier was killed after Pakistani and Indian troops exchanged fire at a border spot near Jammu, the winter capital of the disputed Kashmir region, Press Trust of India reported on Sunday.

Pakistani troops allegedly fired on a Border Security Force (BSF) patrol on Saturday evening in Budhwar in Suchetgarh sector, 45 kilometers (27.96 miles) from Jammu.

A senior BSF officer said on Sunday morning Pakistani rangers opened "unprovoked firing" on Indian border checkpoints which lasted over 45 minutes. He added that the BSF returned the fire, but there were no casualties on the Indian side.

The BSF sought a flag meeting to discuss the issue of firing since it is considered a ceasefire violation. In 2003, both countries agreed to a ceasefire after daily exchanges of fire across the border.

Pakistan's the Nation, however, reported that Indian troops used mortar bombs and sporadic firing, forcing Pakistani troops to respond. It added that Pakistan's army has demanded a flag meeting over the volatile and flagrant violation of borders.

India and Pakistan have been fighting over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which is divided into parts administered by both countries. According to the Indian government, more than 45,000 people - including civilians, militants and troops - have died in the region over the past two decades.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-15

Segments of the Indian military and policitcal parties have been waiting for an opportunity to "teach Pakistan a lesson". The growing rift between the USA and Pakistan just might be the sign they were awaiting. As much as I might favour the Indians smacking heads, the Pakistanis have nukes and would use them. The last thing Thailand needs is a nuclear cloud drifting its way after India and Pakistan exchange volleys. Neither side is predictable and both prone to acting in anger fueled haste.

Edited May 16, 201115 yr by geriatrickid

Segments of the Indian military and policitcal parties have been waiting for an opportunity to "teach Pakistan a lesson". The growing rift between the USA and Pakistan just might be the sign they were awaiting. As much as I might favour the Indians smacking heads, the Pakistanis have nukes and would use them. The last thing Thailand needs is a nuclear cloud drifting its way after India and Pakistan exchange volleys. Neither side is predictable and both prone to acting in anger fueled haste.

Well I know which side I'm rooting for - the secular democracy of course. Any relationship between the U.S and Pakistan ceased in my oppinion to be necessary as soon as the communist U.S.S.R imploded and now the U.S is left backing the wrong horse.