A defence spokesman told reporters here today that at least two Pakistani soldiers were presumed to have died in retaliation to Tuesday's two major attempts to take control of a ``shoulder of strategic pass on the glacier''.

Indian defence authorities claim Pakistan had lost at least 13 troops in the renewed clashes with Indian forces on the glacier in its seven aborted attempts for controlling vantage points there. ``Pakistan seems continuing its desperate attempt to gain more area before the crucial talks on (demilitarisation) of the glacier begin between India and Pakistan shortly,'' the spokesman said.

Giving details, the defence authorities said Pakistanis troops had changed their tactics. They started with a 20-minute heavy mortar shelling in the southern wing of thepass. It was followed by a sneak attempt by four soldiers to capture the Indian post who were forced to retreat. This was followed by another major assault from the northern side of the pass by a group of 10 to 12 soldiers. Their advances were checked by Indians launching mortar shells and artillery fire. The attack was repulsed again in which at least one soldier was killed when they were about 500 yards away from the Indian post.

Within two hours about 40 to 50 Pakistani troops alighted from the glacier from the vehicle. Another Pakistani soldiers was presumed to have been killed in the retaliatory fire by the Indian side while others fled.