September 16, 2002	Monday	Rajab 8, 1423

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SRINAGAR, Sept 15: Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire over their disputed border in Kashmir, a day ahead of controversial state elections in the Indian-administered zone of the Himalayan region, police sources said on Sunday.

The fresh exchange of artillery and mortar shells took place across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of the northern Kupwara district, bordering Azad Kashmir.

“The unprovoked shelling by Pakistani troops from across the Line of Control started late Saturday and continued throughout the night,” a policeman said, adding that the Pakistani troops were aiming to hit an Indian army post.

“The Indian troops effectively returned the fire,” he said without reporting any casualties. The exchanges came before the first phase of voting for the 87-member legislature on Monday in which five districts, including Kupwara, go to the polls.—AFP