ISLAMABAD, May 23 A Pakistani soldier was killed on Sunday in firing allegedly by Indian troops across the Line of Control in Kashmir, Pakistan's military said.

“A Pakistan army soldier embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) due to unprovoked firing by Indians... at Battal sector in Rawalakot,” it said in a statement.

“Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with Indians and demanded an immediate flag meeting,” it added.

Indian army spokesman accused Pakistani troops of starting the firing. “Our troops retaliated only after they were fired on by Pakistanis,” Lt-Col Biplab Nath said.

Indian side did not suffer any casualty, he said, while accusing Pakistanis of violating a ceasefire in force along the de facto border since November 2003.

The incident occurred in the same area where two Indian soldiers were killed by cross-border fire on May 18.—AFP