MUZAFFARABAD. Sept 8: At least three people were killed and four injured when Indian troops opened fire on civilians across the border, officials alleged here today, reports AFP.

The officials said the Iridian troops resorted to "provoked" shelling on Thursday on a border township in Neelum Valley, some 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the state capital. Muzaffarabad.

The valley's 150.000 residents have been facing food shortages as supplies through routes rendered unsafe by frequent firing by Indian troops had dwindled since last November, they claimed.

The chief executive in Pakistan -administered Kashmir. Sardar Abdul Quayum Khan, said the situa-

lion in the Neelum Valley was tense.

Skirmishes have routinely occurred along the so-called line of control, which divides the Indian and Pakistani-administered parts of Kashmir.

Since their independence from Britain in 1947. India and Pakistan have fought two of three wars over the ownership of the disputed Himalayan region.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training Muslim militants active in its part of Kashmir. Islamabad denies the charge while pledging political and moral support for the separatist Muslim revolt. which it sees as a legitimate movement for self-determination.

More than 12.000 people have died in the secessionist campaign since 1989.