New Delhi (Sputnik) — Heavy firing between Indian and Pakistani troops at the international border has caused civilian deaths on both sides — eight in total during the last 48 hours.
India's Border Security Force (BSF) alleged that six civilians were killed after being hit by bullets fired by Pakistani soldiers in the RS Pura and Arnia sectors of the international border. The BSF blamed the Pakistan Rangers for "initiating indiscriminate firing" at Indian positions in several sectors of the border in the Jammu and Samba districts.
"Pakistan initiated heavy fire from RS Pura to the Basanter river at about 0640-45 hrs (Indian Standard Time)," a Border Security Force (BSF) spokesperson said.
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At the same time, media reports from Pakistan suggested two women were killed and five other civilians injured in the firing.
"India continues unprovoked ceasefire violations; targeted civil population along the Working Boundary in village Kundan Pur, Chaprar, and Sialkot sector overnight. Two innocent women embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) and 5 civilians including 3 women got injured," Pakistan's Army said in a statement.
This is the third exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops in the last three days.