An Indian official says an Indian soldier was killed when Pakistani troops fired gunshots and mortar shells across the border in northern Kashmir after a brief lull.

Border Security Force official D. Parekh said the Indian soldier was killed instantly when Pakistani troops opened fire on Monday.

Soldiers of both nations have fired across the border at different places for nearly six days in Kashmir, the Himalayan region that both countries claim in its entirety.

Around 1,500 people in border villages on the Indian side have been evacuated or have fled their homes.

Parekh said the firing halted briefly on Sunday before resuming Monday. SAPA