Pakistan summons Indian diplomat to protest ‘unprovoked’ attack on its army post

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The Pakistani Foreign Office said Monday it has protested formally to India for an attack on its army post.

A statement issued by the office said the Indian deputy high commissioner was summoned to the Foreign Ministry over what Pakistan calls an “unprovoked” attack on an army post Sunday.

The mostly Muslim mountainous Kashmir has been a flashpoint of violence between these two neighbours, who have fought two full-scale wars over control of the region.

Pakistan and India traded accusations Sunday of violating the cease-fire in the disputed northern Kashmir region.

Islamabad accused Indian troops of a cross-border raid that killed one of its soldiers. The statement warned India to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.

India denied the raid and said Pakistani shelling destroyed a home on its side.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters that the U.S. is concerned about reports of violence along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

“We urge both sides to take steps to end exchange of fire and to resume normal trade and travel across the Line of Control,” she said.

14:53ET 07-01-13