Indian Kashmir barrier

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The Indian Kashmir barrier which takes its inspiration from Israel 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 Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. The rest of the Line of Control is too inaccessible for construction of a barrier. The fence, constructed by India, is well inside Kashmiri territory on the Indian-side. 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 as a whole.

The barrier itself consists of double-row of fencing and concertina wire eight to twelve feet 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 terrorists who routinely cross into the Indian side of the disputed state to attack soldiers and civilians.[1]

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. However, the ensuing peace as a result of the lower numbers of Islami militants infiltrating into Kashmir from Pakistan has spurred the local economy due to a rise in tourism, gaining support for the fence from the local populace.