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34°56′N 76°46′E / 34.933°N 76.767°E / 34.933; 76.767

Specifically, the term Line of Control (LOC) refers to the military control line between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir - a line which, still to this day, does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary. Originally known as the "Cease-fire Line", it was redesignated as the "Line of Control" following the Simla Agreement, which was signed in December 1971. The part of the former princely state that is under Indian control is known as the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The two parts of the former princely state that are under Pakistani control are known as the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

However, since July 2008, Troops from both sides of the Line of Control have started routinely violating the ceasefire by exchanging fire with each other .

Another cease-fire line, one that separates the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir from the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin, lies further to the east and is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Wars

The LOC has seen various Indo-Pakistani Wars; the latest one being in 1999 when both India and Pakistan fought in the Kargil War. Pakistan covertly pushed in Kashmiri rebels and masqueraded Pakistan army soldiers. This was done in winter when the forward posts on both sides are abandoned due to bad weather. India was informed of this operation by local villagers. India won the war inflicting heavy losses to the Kashmiri rebel organizations backed by the ISI and Pakistan army. The war ended when the Pakistan army withdrew from LOC fearing serious casualties and through further escalation. The Pakistan Army was forced by its government which succumbed to mounting international pressure. The fight continued in a more subdued manner for over a month but eventually India gained the territory it had occupied in 1947 back. Due to the covert nature of its involvement, the Pakistan army was forced to disown the bodies of its own soldiers killed in action. The failure in Kargil war resulted in a bloodless coup in Pakistan, with Pakistan Army under General Musharraf capturing power, toppling the fragile democracy under Mia Nawaz Sharif

Indian Kashmir barrier fencing

The Indian Kashmir barrier is a 550 km (330 mile) separation barrier along the 740 km (460 mi) disputed 1972 Line of Control (or ceasefire line). The fence, constructed by India, is well inside territory on the Indian-controlled side. Its stated purpose is to exclude arms smuggling and infiltration by Pakistani-based separatist militants.

The barrier itself consists of double-row of fencing and concertina wire eight to twelve feet (2.4-3.7 m) in height, and is electrified and connected to a network of motion sensors, thermal imaging devices and alarms in stretches where power supply is available. The small stretch of land between the rows of fencing is mined.

The construction of the barrier was begun in the 1990s, but slowed in the early 2000s as hostilities between India and Pakistan increased. After a November 2003 ceasefire agreement, building resumed and was completed in late 2004. LoC fencing was completed in Kashmir Valley and Jammu region was completed on September 30, 2004. According to Indian military sources, the fence has reduced by 80% the numbers of militants who routinely cross into the Indian side of the disputed state to attack soldiers.

Pakistan has objected to the construction of the barrier, saying it violates both bilateral accords and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on the region. In Pakistan's view the border between Jammu and Kashmir is undemarcated, and border fencing is not allowed.

See also

• Wagah international border crossing between India and Pakistan
• Indian Kashmir barrier
• Timeline of the Kashmir conflict
• Kashmiriyat - a socio-cultural ethos of religious harmony and Kashmiri consciousness.
• Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir) to the Country / Dominion of India
• Karan Singh, son of Maharaja Hari Singh
• Maharaja Hari Singh (1895–1961), was the last ruling Maharaja / Emperor / King of all Lands and Territories of the princely state / Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir in India. He was the Father of Dr. Karan Singh.
• LOC Kargil, a 2003 Bollywood war film based on "Kargil War" or the "Indo-Pakistani War of 1999", directed by J.P.Dutta
• Azad Kashmir an area of Kashmir administered by Pakistan
• Trans-Karakoram Tract an area of Kashmir administered by China
• Aksai Chin an area of Kashmir administered by China
• Shaikh Abdullah, Politician
• Baltistan
• Northern Areas
• Pamir Mountains
• Wakhan
• Gilgit Agency
• List of topics on the land and the people of “Jammu and Kashmir”

References

1. Kashmir cease-fire shows signs of fraying as Pakistan, India step up violations
2. "cross-border infiltration and terrorism"
4. "Harsh weather likely to damage LoC fencing". Daily Times. Retrieved 2007-07-31.

• Independent India
• History of Jammu and Kashmir
• India–Pakistan relations
• Separation barriers