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Line of Control

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

The areas shown in green are the two Pakistani-controlled areas--the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) in the north and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the south. The area shown in orange is the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir, and the diagonally-hatched area to the east is the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin.

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

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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 came to know about this mischief when the local villagers informed the Indian Army. This was an intelligence lapse on Indian side. Initially Indian Army was at receiving end with heavy firing from hill top bunkers occupied by Pakistani Army and Kashmiri rebels. With great determination, 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 causality and escalation. The Pakistan Army was forced by its government which succumbed to mounting international pressure. The fight continued at low key for over a month but eventually India gained the territory it had occupied in 1947 back. Due to the covert nature of its involvement, 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) between Indian and Pakistani controlled Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. LoC fencing was completed in Kashmir Valley and Jammu region was completed on September 30, 2004. The rest of the Line of Control is too inaccessible for construction of a barrier. 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, who wish to merge Kashmir into Pakistan, or gain independence for Kashmir as a whole.

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. 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

References

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