Indians kill Pakistani soldier

INDIAN troops have shot and killed a Pakistani soldier who crossed the makeshift border separating Indian and Pakistani held Kashmir, in a development that could upset the delicate ceasefire in a region claimed by both countries.

The incident in Kashmir evoked similar incidents in January in which three Pakistani soldiers and two Indian soldiers were killed. The deaths ratcheted up tension in an area where the two countries have long battled for dominance.

The Pakistani military accused Indian troops of killing the soldier after he had identified himself and explained why he was accidentally in their territory.

The statement said that civilians had seen the Pakistani soldier being questioned by the Indian military and told Pakistani officials.

But the Indians blamed the Pakistani soldier, saying he had begun firing when confronted by their troops.