SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- A troop of India's Border Security Force (BSF) was killed Monday in a fire exchange with Pakistani counterparts on the International Border ( IB) in Kashmir, officials said.

The two sides exchanged heavy fire and mortars along IB in Samba sector, 53 km south of Jammu city, the winter capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"A BSF trooper was killed today as Pakistan Rangers resumed heavy mortar shelling targeting scores of border outposts and civilian areas along IB in Samba and Kathua districts," a BSF official said.

According to officials, the firing was reported around 2:00 p.m. local time and continued for several hours.