India says five soldiers killed in attack on border with Pakistan.

India says five soldiers killed in attack on border with Pakistan.

Indian Border Security Force soldiers patrol along the
 India-Pakistan border fence about 27 KM from Wagah (File photo: AFP)

Reuters | 06 Aug 2013 :: Five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack on their post along the disputed border with Pakistan in Kashmir, a senior Indian official said on Tuesday,just as the two countries were moving towards resuming stalled peace talks.

It was not who clear who carried out the attack in the Poonch sector and a Pakistani security official denied involvement.

The two armies, which are locked in face-to-face confrontation along the heavily militarised border, clashed in Poonch in January after one Indian soldier was killed and decapitated. Facing public outrage over the attack, India called off planned peace talks with Pakistan.

"Was briefed early this morning about news that five of our soldiers had been killed on the LOC. My heartfelt condolences to their next of kin," Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a Tweet, referring to the Line of Control dividing the two countries in the Himalayan region.

The killings caused an uproar in the Indian parliament as lawmakers demanded the government explain what happened. Defence Minister A.K. Antony would make a statement in parliament later in the day, officials said.

Indian officials said a border post in Chakanda Bagh of Poonch district had been attacked but gave no details.

Late last month, Pakistan's new government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif proposed dates for talks and New Delhi had been preparing a response.

"This is an extremely unfortunate incident. If Pakistan wants to have better relations with India, this is not the way," Indian Junior Home Minister R.P.N. Singh said outside parliament in New Delhi.

A Pakistani security official denied there had been any exchange of fire on the border. "There has been no incident whatsoever," a security official said on condition of anonymity.(Courtesy:Al Arabia)