NEW DELHI, Aug 19: India said on Monday it was running out of patience with Pakistan’s alleged army-backed transgressions across disputed Kashmir as firing spread further north for the first time since the two armies agreed on a ceasefire in 2003.

Tension has been running high since Aug 6 when five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed while on a patrol.

Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony alleged it was clear that specialist troops of the Pakistani army were involved in the attack on the soldiers.

Mr Antony demanded that Pakistan act against its troops allegedly involved in the latest incident as well as the killing of two soldiers back in January.

“Naturally, this incident will have consequences on our behaviour on the Line of Control and for our relations with Pakistan,” he told parliament. “Our restraint should not be taken for granted.”

Pakistan has denied involvement and instead accused India of opening fire and killing one of its soldiers in late July. Also the same month, police in Azad Kashmir said four civilians who had gone to collect herbs near the Line of Control had gone missing and their families believed they had been arrested by the Indian army.

The rhetoric in India has been steadily mounting as the Congress-led coalition government faces a difficult election less than a year away, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being criticised by opposition hardliners and even from within his party for trying to quietly relaunch peace talks with Pakistan.

On Sunday night, the two armies — which are in close proximity in many areas — exchanged fire along the Kargil stretch of the mountains where the ceasefire has held since November 2003.

“The firing continued for half an hour, however, there was no loss of life or damage,” said a police officer in India-held Kashmir.

Indian army alleges that the latest attack on its soldiers was carried out by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT).

The unit includes members of Pakistan’s commando Special Services Group and irregular forces, including members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based militant group.

“Pakistan is making a serious mistake with regard to ceasefire and BAT attacks. It should not do it. It is not going to deter us. The army is here to respond in each and every act of Pakistan,” said Indian Maj-Gen V.P. Singh, a division commander in the Rajouri sector.—Reuters