Pakistani citizen killed by Indian gunfire in Kashmir

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Aug 2023 21:35

A Pakistani citizen is shot and killed in the disputed Kashmir region, with Islamabad blaming India for the tragic incident.

The shadow of an Indian paramilitary soldier is cast on an armored vehicle as he guards at a busy market in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, August 1, 2023. (AP)

Media reports on Monday said that a Pakistani civilian was shot dead by Indian guards along the disputed Kashmir borders.

This marks the second time since June that a citizen is killed by border guards.

According to the Pakistani police in Kashmir's Kotli region, a 62-year-old man was killed by "unprovoked" Indian gunfire while he was cutting grass near the Line of Control (LoC).

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, with the two countries claiming the entire territory of the region.

Wars in the past two decades in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, most of which have been among civilians.

Two months ago, two Pakistani civilians died at the border by Indian gunfire, an event which marked the first major incident since 2021.

Although Indian authorities acknowledge the incident, they said that the people in question were attempting to cross the border.

India has accused Pakistan of providing training and support for Islamist militants fighting for Kashmiri independence, allegations which Pakistan has rejected and said it only provides moral and diplomatic support for what they call freedom fighters.