Indian, Pakistani troops clash

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir (CNN) - A border clash between Indian and Pakistani troops sparked heavy fighting Monday in the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir, an Indian military spokeswoman reported.

The fighting, which killed one Indian soldier, marks the first major skirmish between South Asia's nuclear rivals since a 2003 cease-fire. It began Monday afternoon, when an Indian patrol encountered about 10 to 12 Pakistani soldiers across the Line of Control separating the territory, Capt. Neha Goyal told CNN.

The Pakistani troops "started firing on our patrol," she said. "There was one fatal casualty. Our troops also retaliated, and the Pakistan army troopers ran back."

Efforts to reach Pakistani officials for comment were unsuccessful late Monday. Goyal said Indian officials were not aware of any Pakistani casualties, but said heavy fighting was still going on late Monday.