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{{distinguish|Line of Actual Control}} | {{distinguish|Line of Actual Control|Line of Contact|Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact}} | ||
{{short description|Demarcation line between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}} | |||
{{pp-30-500|small=yes}} | |||
{{EngvarB|date=January 2021}} | |||
{{coord|34|56|N|76|46|E|display=title}} | {{coord|34|56|N|76|46|E|display=title}} | ||
[[ | [[Image:Kashmir Region November 2019.jpg|thumb|240px|Political map of the [[Kashmir]] region showing the Line of Control (LoC)]] | ||
[[Image:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|[[United Nations]] map of the Line of Control. The LoC is not defined near [[Siachen Glacier]].]] | |||
The '''Line of Control''' (''' | The '''Line of Control''' ('''LoC''') is a military control line between the [[India]]n and [[Pakistan]]i controlled parts of the former [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|princely state of Jammu and Kashmir]]—a line which does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, but serves as the [[de facto]] border. Originally known as the '''Cease-fire Line''', it was redesignated as the '''Line of Control''' following the [[Simla Agreement]], which was signed on 3 July 1972. The part of the former princely state that is under Indian control is divided into the union territories of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Ladakh]], while the Pakistani-controlled part is divided into [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit–Baltistan]]. The northernmost point of the Line of Control is known as [[NJ9842]]. The [[India–Pakistan border]] continues from the southernmost point on the LoC. | ||
Another ceasefire line separates the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir from the Chinese-controlled area known as [[Aksai Chin]]. Lying further to the east, it is known as the [[Line of Actual Control]] (LAC). | |||
Former US President [[Bill Clinton]] has referred to the Indian subcontinent and the Kashmir Line of Control, in particular, as one of the most dangerous places in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/687021.stm|title=BBC News | SOUTH ASIA | Analysis: The world's most dangerous place?|website=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2000/03/11/stories/01110006.htm|website=[[The Hindu]]|title='Most dangerous place'}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>{{update inline|date=August 2019}} | |||
== | == Background == | ||
{{main|Kashmir conflict}} | |||
After the [[partition of India]], the present day India and Pakistan contested the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] – India by virtue of the ruler's accession to the country and Pakistan by virtue of the state's Muslim majority population. The [[First Kashmir War]] lasted more than a year, when a ceasefire was accepted through the [[UN mediation of Kashmir|UN mediation]]. A [[Karachi Agreement|ceasefire line]] was agreed by the two sides. | |||
== | After another [[1965 Indo-Pakistani War|Kashmir War]] in 1965, and the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] (which saw [[Bangladesh]] become independent), only minor modifications had been effected in the original ceasefire line. In the ensuing [[Simla Agreement]] in 1972, the two countries agreed to convert the ceasefire line into a "Line of Control" and observe it as a ''de facto'' border that should not be violated by armed action. | ||
* [[ | |||
==Legacy== | |||
The Line of Control divided Kashmir into two parts and closed the Jehlum valley route, the only entrance and exit of the [[Kashmir Valley]] from [[Punjab, Pakistan|Pakistani Punjab]]. This territorial division, which to this day still exists, severed many villages and separated family members from each other.<ref>Ranjan Kumar Singh, Sarhad: Zero Mile, (Hindi), ''Parijat Prakashan'', {{ISBN|81-903561-0-0}}</ref><ref name="loc kashmir">{{cite book | author=Women in Security, Conflict Management, a Peace (Program) | title=Closer to ourselves: stories from the journ towards peace in South Asia | url=https://books.google.com/books?q=line+of+control+separated+villages+families+relatives+in+kashmir&btnG=Search+Books | access-date=19 June 2013 |year=2008 | publisher=WISCOMP, Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lam 2008 | page=75}}</ref> | |||
==Indian Line of Control fencing== | |||
India constructed a {{convert|550|km|mi|abbr=on}} barrier along the {{convert|740|km|mi|abbr=on}} Line of Control. The fence generally remains about 150 yards on the Indian-controlled side. Its stated purpose is to exclude arms smuggling and infiltration by Pakistani-based separatist militants.<ref>[http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/12/16/1612locmukherjee.html "cross-border infiltration and terrorism"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221102545/http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/12/16/1612locmukherjee.html |date=21 December 2008 }}</ref> | |||
The barrier, referred to as Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS), consists of double-row of fencing and [[concertina wire]] {{cvt|8|-|12|ft|m}} in height, and is [[Electric fence|electrified]] and connected to a network of motion sensors, thermal imaging devices, lighting systems and alarms. They act as "fast alert signals" to the Indian troops who can be alerted and ambush the infiltrators trying to sneak in. The small stretch of land between the rows of fencing is mined with thousands of [[Land mine|landmines]].<ref name=thehindu_Fence>{{cite news|title=LoC fencing in Jammu nearing completion|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020109130800.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216000931/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020109130800.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2004|access-date=23 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=Feb 1, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=Ne3000411Mines.asp | work=Tehelka | title=Mines of war maim innocents | access-date=7 October 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017152757/http://tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=Ne3000411Mines.asp | archive-date=17 October 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2017-04-30|title=Army set to install smart fence along LoC|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-set-to-install-smart-fence-along-loc/article18340498.ece|access-date=2020-07-31|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
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 on 30 September 2004.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-12-16/india/27151889_1_loc-fencing-infiltration-barak | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112105/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-12-16/india/27151889_1_loc-fencing-infiltration-barak | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 October 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=LoC fencing completed: Mukherjee | date=16 December 2004}}</ref> According to [[Indian military]] sources, the fence has reduced the numbers of militants who routinely cross into the Indian side of the disputed state to attack soldiers by 80%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_4-3-2005_pg7_41 |title=Harsh weather likely to damage LoC fencing |publisher=Daily Times |access-date=2007-07-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165205/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_4-3-2005_pg7_41 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> | |||
[[Pakistan]] has criticised the construction of the barrier, saying it violates both bilateral accords and relevant [[United Nations]] resolutions on the region.<ref name=EU_Criticises_Pak/> The [[European Union]] has supported India's stand calling the fencing as "improvement in technical means to control terrorists infiltration" and also pointing that the "Line of Control has been delineated in accordance with the 1972 Shimla agreement".<ref name=EU_Criticises_Pak>{{cite news|title=EU criticises Pak's stand on LoC fencing|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=26872|access-date=23 June 2012|newspaper=Express India|date=Dec 16, 2003}}</ref> | |||
In 2017, proposal for an upgraded smart fence on the Indian side were accepted, which would be first go through trial runs.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
==Crossing points== | |||
There are three main crossing points on the LoC currently operational. These are, from north to south: | |||
===Chakothi / Salamabad=== | |||
Salamabad crossing point is located on the road between [[Chakothi]] and [[Uri, Jammu and Kashmir|Uri]] in the [[Baramulla district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] along the Indo-Pak LoC.<ref name="ET_Cross_Goods">{{cite news |title=Jammu and Kashmir: Goods over Rs 3,432 crore traded via two LoC points in 3 years |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62429258.cms |access-date=25 July 2018 |agency=PTI |publisher=Economic Times |date=9 January 2018}}</ref> It is a major route for cross LoC trade and travel. Banking facilities and a trade facilitation centres are being planned on the Indian side.<ref name="ET_CrossLOC"/> The name in English translates to "''bridge of peace''" is located in Uri. The bridge was rebuilt by Indian army after the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]] when a mountain on the Pakistani side had caved in.<ref name="HT_inaugrate">{{cite news |title=J&K CM inaugurates rebuilt Aman Setu |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/j-k-cm-inaugurates-rebuilt-aman-setu/story-J8rVhViLWXHhl6NHHz1VbL.html |access-date=25 July 2018 |publisher=hindustan Times |date=21 February 2008}}</ref> This route was opened for trade in 2008 after a period of 61 years.<ref name="livemint_Trucks">{{cite news |title=Trucks start rolling, duty-free commerce across LoC opens |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/rkyV94TJ7QOHhPUMS5wqDN/Trucks-start-rolling-dutyfree-commerce-across-LoC-opens.html |access-date=25 July 2018 |publisher=Livemint |date=21 October 2008}}</ref> The [[Srinagar–Muzaffarabad Bus]] passes through this bridge on the LoC.<ref name="OutlookKaman">{{cite news |title=Re-erected Kaman Aman Setu will be inaugurated on Monday |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/re-erected-kaman-aman-setu-will-be-inaugurated-on-monday/356510 |access-date=25 July 2018 |publisher=Outlook |date=19 February 2006}}</ref> | |||
===Tetrinote / Chakan Da Bagh=== | |||
A road connects [[Kotli]] and [[Tatrinote]] in Pakistan side of the LoC to Indian [[Poonch district, India|Poonch district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] through Chakan Da Bagh crossing point.<ref name="ET_Cross_Goods"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/404.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117072828/http://zeenews.india.com/tags/Chakan-Da-Bagh_in_Poonch.html|url-status=dead|title=404|date=14 August 2014|archive-date=17 January 2013|website=Zee News}}</ref> It is a major route for cross LoC trade and travel. Banking facilities and a trade facilitation centres are being planned on the Indian side for the benefit of traders.<ref name="ET_CrossLOC">{{cite news |title=Cross-LoC trade at Rs 2,800 crore in last three years |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/cross-loc-trade-at-rs-2800-crore-in-last-three-years/articleshow/52730540.cms |access-date=25 July 2018 |agency=PTI |publisher=Economic Times |date=13 June 2016}}</ref> | |||
The flag meetings between Indian and Pakistani security forces are held here. These meetings are held at the border or on the Line of Control by commanders of the armies of both sides. A flag meeting can also be held at the [[brigadier]] level on smaller issues.<ref name="TH_Flagmeeting">{{cite news |title=India, Pakistan hold flag meeting |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pak-hold-flag-meeting/article19546903.ece |access-date=25 July 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=23 August 2017}}</ref> If the meeting is on a larger context, it could be held at the [[general]] level.<ref name="TribuneFlag">{{cite news |title=Flag meet held to defuse LoC tension at Chakan da Bagh |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/flag-meet-held-to-defuse-loc-tension-at-chakan-da-bagh/456505.html |access-date=25 July 2018 |work=The Tribune |date=24 August 2017}}</ref> | |||
===Chilliana / Teetwal=== | |||
The Teetwal crossing is across the [[Neelum River]] between [[Muzaffarabad]] and [[Kupwara]]. It is usually open only during the summer months,<ref>https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/teetwal-loc-crossing-point-reopens-after-3-months/232593.html</ref> and in contrast to the other two crossings is open only for the movement of people, not for trade.<ref name="Archived copy">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ajktata.gok.pk/crossing-points/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=9 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615163142/http://www.ajktata.gok.pk/crossing-points/ |archive-date=15 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
===Further crossings=== | |||
Two further crossings are at [[Pir Panjal Range#Passes|Haji Pir pass]] and one near [[Tattapani]], but these are currently not operational.<ref name="Archived copy"/> | |||
==See also== | |||
* [[Actual Ground Position Line]] | |||
* [[Indo-Bangladeshi barrier]] | * [[Indo-Bangladeshi barrier]] | ||
* [[Kashmir conflict]] | * [[Kashmir conflict]] | ||
* [[Siachen conflict]] | |||
* [[Wagah]], an international border crossing between India and Pakistan | |||
* [[Wakhan]] | * [[Wakhan]] | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
==Further reading== | |||
* Ranjan Kumar Singh (2007), ''Sarhad: Zero Mile'' {{In lang|hi}}, Parijat Prakashan, {{ISBN|81-903561-0-0}} | |||
{{Indo-Pakistani relations}} | |||
{{Military of India}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Line Of Control}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Line Of Control}} | ||
[[Category:Kashmir]] | [[Category:History of Azad Kashmir]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:History of Gilgit-Baltistan]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Diplomacy regarding the Kashmir conflict]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:History of the Republic of India]] | ||
[[Category:India–Pakistan border]] | |||
[[Category:Separation barriers]] | |||