The intense firing started shortly after the Indian military carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan.

On Wednesday, at least nine civilians were killed and over 40 others wounded in clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops across the Line of Control in Kashmir.

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The intense firing started shortly after the Indian military carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan and the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir during the early hours on Wednesday. Indian army officials said they were effectively responding to the shelling and firing from the Pakistani side.

The civilian deaths were reported from the worst-hit Poonch district, 185 km southwest of Srinagar city in the Indian-controlled Kashmir. At least 28 people were also wounded in the firing.

Ten people, including five minor children, were also wounded in the shelling in Uri sector of Baramulla district, while three others wounded in Rajouri district. Several houses were also damaged due to the shelling in the affected frontier districts, including Kupwara.

On Wednesday, British Foreign Office Minister David Lammy said that tensions between India and Pakistan are a “grave concern” following last night’s exchange of gunfire and urged both countries to exercise restraint and engage in direct dialogue.

“The UK maintains close and unique relationships with both countries. I have made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if the situation escalates further, no one will win,” he said, stressing the need for all parties to work urgently to restore regional stability and ensure the protection of civilians.

“The safety of British citizens in the region will always be our priority. The Foreign Office is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to support any British citizen 24 hours a day,” Lammy emphasized.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Xinhua – EFE

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