India says firing by Pakistani forces kills 2 villagers in India's Kashmir region

SRINAGAR, India – India has accused Pakistani troops of firing guns and mortar rounds on at least three villages in the Indian portion of Kashmir, killing at least two members of one family.

Dharmendra Pareek, a top official of India's paramilitary force, says the firing early Saturday was unprovoked. He says one Indian border guard and three civilians also have been injured.

Officials in Pakistan were not immediately available for comment, but Pakistani media have reported that two civilians have been killed by Indian firing.

Pareek says India's border guards returned fire.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and the neighboring countries claim the disputed Himalayan region in its entirety.

The two sides have largely followed a 2003 cease-fire accord, but sporadic violations have occurred.