India and Pakistan swap heavy fire as tensions rise

INDIAN and Pakistani soldiers exchanged heavy volleys of shells and gunfire across their frontier in Kashmir, killing at least five civilians amid a growing military stand-off that erupted after an attack on tourists in the India-controlled portion of the disputed region.

- AUJAZ HUSSAIN, MUNIR AHMED, SHEIKH SAALIQ AND RAJESH ROY

In Pakistan, an unusually intense night of artillery exchanges left at least four civilians dead and wounded 12 others in areas near the Line of Control that divides Kashmir, local police official Adeel Ahmad said.

People in border towns said the firing continued well into yesterday.

“We're used to hearing exchange of fire between Pakistan and India at the Line of Control, but last night was different,” said Mohammad Shakil, who lives near the frontier in Chakothi sector. In India, military officials said Pakistani troops barraged their posts with artillery, mortars and gunfire at multiple locations. They said Indian soldiers responded, triggering fierce exchanges until early dawn.