New Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The death toll from three days of fighting between the Indian army and separatist rebels in Kashmir, which has also involved the Pakistani military, stands at ten people. A spokesperson for New Delhi’s Defence Minister says that “an army patrol was attacked” during a “reconnaissance operation on a rebel hideout in Shamsbari Forest”, along the Pakistani border.
“We have lost an officer and three soldiers” confirms lieutenant colonel J.S. Brar. “Six militants were killed in the battle, fighting is still ongoing” along the border between the two countries.
Islamabad accuses India of “having fired without motive” and says it has lodged official protests with New Delhi. An officer from the Indian army has refuted the accusations affirming that “Pakistani troops opened fire first, wounding a soldier”.
Kashmir, divided between Pakistan and Indian, is claimed by both nations and for decades has been a theatre of bloody conflict; not even an agreement signed in 2003 has been able to guarantee stability and peace in the area. New Delhi accuses Islamabad over backing rebel troops and fundamentalist guerrillas who have set up training camps in the region.