SIALKOT: Cross-border firing between Pakistani border guards and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel killed two soldiers in the Shakargarh sector of Narowal district on Wednesday, a Chenab Rangers spokesman said.

The dead included Naik Riaz Shakar and Lance Naik Safdar of Chenab Rangers, the spokesman said, adding that the exchange broke out ahead of a flag meeting ceremony in the sector.

The spokesman said that a commander from the Indian side had requested a meeting and when two representatives from the Rangers contacted them, the Indians opened fire.

Read: India, Pakistan skirmish at LoC kills 9 civilians

Earlier in October and November, skirmishes at the Indo-Pak border increased hostilities between the two countries with both accusing each other of initiating the firing.

Reportedly more than 20 people had lost their lives on both sides of the border.

Read: Three killed in cross border firing along India-Pakistan working boundary

Pakistan protests, summons Indian envoy

The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today to lodge a strong protest on the unprovoked firing of Indian troops in the Zafarwal Sector.

“The Government of Pakistan strongly condemned the action of the BSF troops, which is in violation of the commitment by both sides to maintain ceasefire along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in a statement.

She said the government of India has been urged to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure maintenance of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.