Pakistani soldier in Kashmir shot dead by Indian troops

Indian-Pakistani tensions increase as latest fatal shooting over disputed territory threatens to derail uneasy truce

A Pakistani soldier who strayed across the border separating the disputed territory of Kashmir has been shot dead by Indian troops, an incident that threatens to derail the ceasefire agreed a month ago.

The shooting comes after a similar incident in January in which five soldiers – three Pakistani; two Indian – were killed, heightening tension between the neighbours.

A Pakistani military official accused Indian troops of killing the soldier on Thursday after he identified himself and explained why he had entered the line of control that separates the Pakistani- and Indian-held sides of Kashmir. "We condemn such an inhuman and brutal act of killing our soldier after he had identified himself and explained his position," the military said.

Pakistan has asked India to conduct an investigation into the incident. But the Indian authorities blamed the Pakistani soldier, saying he opened fire when confronted by their troops.

Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Kalia, a spokesman for the Indian army in Kashmir, said the soldier had been killed in a gun battle with Indian troops in which an Indian soldier was injured. He added: "Our troops challenged him. The individual resorted to indiscriminate firing. Our troops retaliated." He said Indian forces realised the dead man had been a soldier after the Pakistan army contacted its officers.

Insurgents have been fighting in Kashmir for more than two decades, demanding a separate state or merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of financing and supporting insurgents in the region. Exchanges in the area are not uncommon but rarely result in fatalities.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/15/pakistani-soldier-kashmir-shot-indian