Jammu, Aug 25 (IANS): Pakistani troops Sunday fired at Indian military posts across the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries, a military spokesman said.

The 2003 ceasefire along the LoC was violated thrice Saturday too -- in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Spokesman Col. R.K. Palta told IANS that the latest Pakistani firing took place in Mendhar sector, sparking a gun battle between the Indian and Pakistani military.

"Pakistan fired at our positions in Mendhar at 3 a.m. today. Our troops retaliated effectively. Exchange of fire is still going," he said.

The ceasefire agreement signed by India and Pakistan had resulted in an effective cessation of hostilities on the LoC, the de facto border between India and Pakistan, in divided Kashmir.

Intelligence agencies believe Pakistani troops resort to firing on the LoC and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir to give cover to separatist guerrillas to sneak into Indian territory.