The Indian army says three civilians have been killed after Pakistani troops fired across the border in the disputed region of Kashmir.

A military spokesman said Pakistani forces fired mortars across the de facto border or Line of Control into the Uri sector of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday.

There was no immediate comment from the Pakistani military.

Indian officials say a 15-year old boy and a young girl were among the three killed in the incident.

The Indian army says Pakistani troops have been carrying out “unprovoked firing” since October 3 and that India has not retaliated because it wants to safeguard the civilian population. The army says “Indian troops have been exercising maximum restraint because of the ceasefire agreement that is in place between the two sides since November of 2003.”

There have been several cross-fire incidents despite the ceasefire.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in full by both countries. The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two wars over the region.

Muslim separatists have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from Hindu-majority India or a merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan. Thousands have been killed in the insurgency.