New Delhi: Indian Parliament today passed a resolution condemning Pakistan for the killing of five Indian soldiers and a series of attacks along the Line of Control in Parliament, countering a similar resolution in Pakistan on Tuesday criticizing "unprovoked aggression" by India.

"Jammu and Kashmir, including parts forcibly and illegally occupied by Pakistan, is an integral part of India," said the resolution in the Lok Sabha, read out by Speaker Meira Kumar.

The resolution was passed unanimously, reflecting political unity in the stand against Pakistan.

In a provocative resolution that belied Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's talks of peace with India, Pakistan accused India of "unprovoked aggression on the Line of Control" and extended support to the "struggle of the Kashmiri people".

The resolution passed in Pakistan's lower house also asked Nawaz Sharif "to clearly convey to the government of India the necessity to respect and uphold the ceasefire agreement of 2003 in letter and spirit".

Ties between the neighbours took a downturn after five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed at Poonch, Jammu, a week ago, by heavily armed terrorists backed by Pakistani soldiers. Since then there have been a series of ceasefire violations at the Line of Control - eight attacks in one week - the latest at the Mendhar sector this morning.

Top defence sources expect Pakistan to step up its attacks to create trouble ahead of next year's elections in India.

Source: NTDV India