The Indian Kashmir barrier is a 550 km (330 mile) separation barrier along the 740 km disputed 1972 Line of Control (or ceasefire line) between Indian and Pakistani controlled Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir, India and Azad Kashmir, Pakistan; the rest of the Line of Control is too inaccessible for construction of a barrier. Constructed by India, its stated purpose is to exclude arms smuggling and infiltration by Pakistani-based separatist militants or terrorists, who wish to bring Kashmir into Pakistan, or gain independence for Kashmir.

The barrier itself consists of double-row of fencing and barbed wire eight to twelve feet in height, and is electrified 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 accelerated, and completion is expected in mid-2004.

Pakistan has objected to the construction of the barrier, saying it violates both bilateral accords and relevant U.N. 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

• bus service across the barrier

External Links

India on alert as Kashmir fence nears completion