Eight civilians injured after India and Pakistan exchange fire near Kashmir border

SHAKARGARH , Pakistan, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- India and Pakistan on Sunday blamed each other for initiating cross-border firing in and around Kashmir, injuring at least eight civilians in both countries.

Pakistan's DAWN newspaper, quoting sources with the Punjab Rangers, reported at least six civilians were injured during overnight shelling by the Indian military against Pakistan's Shakargarh sector, which borders the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region to the north.

Indian media likewise reported two civilians were injured in what it characterized as "unprovoked firing" by Pakistani forces on Indian military positions in the Samba sector of Indian Kashmir. One civilian was killed and at least six injured on the Indian side since the firing began Friday, NDTV reported.

Pakistan and India have fought three wars, two exclusively over the Jammu and Kashmir region.

Despite a 2003 cease-fire agreement, India and Pakistan have for several months intermittently engaged in cross-border battles at the Line of Control, the de facto border separating the Jammu and Kashmir region between both countries.

The weekend firing comes despite both sides agreeing to uphold the 2003 cease-fire last month.