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37-693: This area is a subset of Shingo River , and its main tributary Shigar River also fall in this area, both of these and their tributaries form two main valleys and several subvalleys. Shingo River originates from the watershed immediate west of Burzil La on western fringe of Deosai National Park (DNP) in Pakistan administered area near the LOC. Shingo River flows west to east on Southern fringe of DNP through Gultari, Mousa Village (Haideri Bridge), Faranshat, Buniyol, Kunar, Palawar, Thanus, Babachand (turns south and enters Indian administered side of LOC) and confluences with

74-524: A "Line of Control" (LoC) and observe it as a de facto border that armed action should not violate. The agreement declared that "neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations". The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) had the role of investigating ceasefire violations (CFVs), however their role decreased after 1971. In 2000, US President Bill Clinton referred to

111-520: A defensive mindset to counter infiltration. The reduction in infiltration also points to a reduction in support of such activities within Pakistan. During the 2019 Balakot airstrike , Indian planes crossed the LoC for the first time in 48 years. Pakistan and India officially designated five crossing points following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake —Nauseri-Tithwal; Chakoti-Uri; Hajipur-Uri; Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapani-Mendhar. According to Azad Jammu and

148-464: A symmetry. The response to a CFV at one location can lead to shooting at an entirely different area. Weapons used on the LoC include small arms, rocket-propelled grenades , recoilless rifles , mortars , automatic grenade launchers , rocket launchers and a number of other direct and indirect weaponry. Military personnel on both sides risk being shot by snipers in moving vehicles, through bunker peepholes and during meals. The civilian population at

185-594: A trade facilitation centre are being planned on the Indian side. The English name for the bridge in Uri translates as " bridge of peace . The Indian Army rebuilt it after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake when a mountain on the Pakistani side caved in. This route was opened for trade in 2008 after being closed for 61 years. The Srinagar–Muzaffarabad Bus crosses this bridge on the LoC. A road connects Kotli and Tatrinote on

222-467: A year until a ceasefire was arranged through UN mediation . Both sides agreed on a ceasefire line . After another 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, both countries agreed to convert the ceasefire line into

259-437: Is electrified and connected to a network of motion sensors, thermal imaging devices, lighting systems and alarms. They act as "fast alert signals" for the Indian troops, who can be alerted and ambush the infiltrators trying to sneak in. The barrier's construction began 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

296-526: Is a military control line between the Indian - and Pakistani -controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir —a line which does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, but serves as the de facto border. It was established as part of the Simla Agreement at the end of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 . Both nations agreed to rename the ceasefire line as

333-698: Is a tributary of the Indus River , and flows through Gilgit-Baltistan and Kargil regions. The river originates in Pakistan's Gilgit-Batistan region and flows into the Kargil district where it joins the Dras River . The combined river receives the waters of the Suru River and flows into Baltistan again, joining the Indus River near Marol . The river originates in the Chhota Deosai plains in

370-484: Is generally forested. There are tracks and minor roads connecting settlements. The mix of flora and elevation affects visibility and line of sight significantly. In 2018, two corps and a number of battalions of the Border Security Force manned the Indian side of the LoC. The Rawalpindi Corps manned the Pakistani side. Ceasefire violations (CFV's) are initiated and committed by both sides and show

407-620: Is then doubled. The combined river, which is either called Dras or Shingo, flows east till the hamlet of Kharul , 7 km north of Kargil , where it makes a 90-degree bend to flow north-northeast. Also at Kharul, the Suru River joins the Dras/Shingo river and the latter in effect flows through the channel of the Suru River as it turns north. The combined river flows through the Kharmang District of Baltistan, passing by

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444-560: Is usually open only during the summer months, and unlike the other two crossings is open only for the movement of people, not for trade. The Tithwal bridge, first built in 1931, has been rebuilt twice. The Salamabad crossing point, or the Kamran Post, is on the road between Chakothi and Uri in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir along the LoC. It is a major route for cross LoC trade and travel. Banking facilities and

481-410: The 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff thousands of acres of land along the LoC were mined. Both civilians and military personnel on both sides have died in mine and improvised explosive device (IED)-related blasts, and many more have been injured. Between January 2000 to April 2002, 138 military personnel were killed on the Indian side. Reinforced sandbagged and concrete posts and bunkers are among

518-815: The Astore District north of Minimarg , then flows east. The Shigar or Shiggar River , which originates in the Bara Deosai Plateau to the north, also flows east and joins the Shingo River before it enters the Indian-administered Kargil district near Dalunang. In the Kargil district, at the Kaksar village, Shingo is joined by the Dras River , which originates near Zojila Pass and flows northeast. The flow of Shingo

555-739: The First Kashmir War and the following cease-fire line, with minor adjustments made in 1972. India constructed a 550-kilometre (340 mi) barrier along the 740 kilometres (460 mi) –776 kilometres (482 mi) LoC by 2004. The fence generally remains about 150 yards (140 m) on the Indian-controlled side. Its stated purpose is to exclude arms smuggling and infiltration by Pakistani-based separatist militants. The barrier, referred to as an Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS), consists of double-row of fencing and concertina wire 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) in height, and

592-442: The "Line of Control" and pledged to respect it without prejudice to their respective positions. Apart from minor details, the line is roughly the same as the original 1949 cease-fire line . The part of the former princely state under Indian control is divided into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh . The Pakistani-controlled section is divided into Azad Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan . The northernmost point of

629-549: The Dras river near Latoo in Indian administered area. Road along this route of Shingo River is called the "Astor-Kargil Road". Shigar River, the main tributary of Shingo River, originates north of Shingo River & South of Sakardu near Burji La in the northern part of DNP and flows entirely to north of Shingo River. Shigar River flows Northwest to South East via Ginial (collects its tributary Karapchu River) and Shigar, and then confluences with Shingo River near Franshat. Area falls into

666-528: The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, 1,504 "terrorists" attempted to infiltrate India in 2002. Infiltration was one of India's main issues during the 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff . There has been a decrease in infiltration over the years. Only a select number of individuals are successful; in 2016, the Ministry reported 105 successful infiltrations. The Indian LoC fence has been constructed with

703-432: The Indian side. Crossing legally for civilians is not easy. A number of documents are required and verified by both countries, including proof of family on the other side. Even a short-term, temporary crossing invites interrogation by government agencies. The Indian and Pakistani military use these crossing points for flag meetings and to exchange sweets during special occasions and festivals. On 21 October 2008, for

740-494: The Indian subcontinent and the Kashmir Line of Control, in particular, as one of the most dangerous places in the world. The LoC from Kargil to Gurez comprises mountain passes and valleys with small streams and rivers. The area up to around 14,000 feet (4,300 m) is wooded while the peaks rise higher. Winter is snowy while summers are mild. From Gurez to Akhnoor , the area is mountainous and hilly respectively and

777-591: 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). After the partition of India , present-day India and Pakistan contested the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir – India because of the ruler's accession to the country, and Pakistan by virtue of the state's Muslim-majority population. The First Kashmir War in 1947 lasted more than

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814-507: The Kashmir Cross LoC Travel and Trade Authority Act, 2016, the following crossing points are listed: Trade points include: Chakothi – Salamabad and Rawalakot (Titrinote) – Poonch (Chakkan-da-Bagh). The ordinance passed in 2011. Between 2005 and 2017, and according to Travel and Trade Authority figures, Muzaffarabad, Indian Kashmiris crossing over into Pakistan was about 14,000, while about 22,000 have crossed over to

851-589: The Line of Control is known as NJ9842 , beyond which lies the Siachen Glacier , which became a bone of contention in 1984. To the south of the Line of Control, (Sangam, Chenab River, Akhnoor ), lies the border between Pakistani Punjab and the Jammu province, which has an ambiguous status: India regards it as an "international boundary", and Pakistan calls it a "working border". Another ceasefire line separates

888-487: The LoC, at some points ahead of the forward most post, has complicated the situation. Shelling and firing by both sides along the LoC has resulted in civilian deaths. Bunkers have been constructed for these civilian populations for protection during periods of CFV's. India and Pakistan usually report only casualties on their own sides of the LoC, with the media blaming the other side for the firing and each side claiming an adequate retaliation. According to Happymon Jacob,

925-527: The Pakistan government, it remains underdeveloped. Consequently, due to nonexistence of hospitals, schools and other basic needs of life, majority of people have migrated to cities like Skardu , Gilgit , Rawalpindi or Karachi . The region is one of the coldest part of the country. Ali Sher Khan Anchan (1590–1625), a Balti king of Maqpon dynasty who unified Baltistan, merged Gultari with Skardu in Baltistan. Shingo River The Shingo River

962-575: The Pakistan side of the LoC to the Indian Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir through the Chakan Da Bagh crossing point. It is a major route for cross LoC trade and travel. Banking facilities and a trade facilitation centre are being planned on the Indian side for the benefit of traders. Most of the flag meetings between Indian and Pakistani security forces are held here. The fourth border crossing between Tattapani and Mendhar

999-454: The Pakistan side on the LoC have been instrumental in influencing infiltration and ceasefire violations; they have approached nearby Pakistani Army camps directly and insisted infiltration stop, which reduces India's cross LoC firing. Documentaries covering the LoC and related events include A journey through River Vitasta, Raja Shabir Khan's Line of Control and HistoryTV18 's Kargil: Valour & Victory. A number of Bollywood films on

1036-555: The first line of defence along the LoC. Armed soldiers man these positions with enough supplies for at least a week. The posts and bunkers allow soldiers to sleep, cook, and keep a watch on enemy positions round the clock. Some posts are located in remote locations. Animals are sometimes used to help transport loads, and at some posts animals are reared. The living quarters and the forward facing bunker are located at some distance apart. The locations of some posts do not follow any pre-ordained plan, rather they are in locations used during

1073-536: The first time in 61 years, cross-LoC trade was conducted between the two sides. Trade across the LoC is barter trade. In ten years, trade worth nearly PKR 11,446 crore or ₹ 5,000 crore (equivalent to ₹ 67 billion or US$ 800 million in 2023) has passed through the Chakothi – Salamabad crossing. The Teetwal crossing is across the Neelum River between Muzaffarabad and Kupwara . It

1110-490: The line is) and other reasons (like testing the new boys, honour, prestige and humiliation, fun, gamesmanship). Jacob ranks operational reasons as the main cause for CFVs, followed by retributive and politico-strategic reasons . Mines have been laid across the India–Pakistan border and the LoC in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 2001. The small stretch of land between the rows of fencing is mined with thousands of landmines . During

1147-441: The reasons for CFVs along the LoC include operational reasons (defence construction like observation facilities, the rule of the gun, lack of bilateral mechanisms for border management, personality traits and the emotional state of soldiers and commanders), politico-strategic reasons, proportional response (land grab, sniping triggered, "I am better than you", revenge firing), accidental CFVs (civilian related, lack of clarity where

Gultari Valley - Misplaced Pages Continue

1184-755: The river, which once connected Kargil to Astore District . Once in the Kargil, the valley of the Shingo–Drass river contains India's National Highway 1 connecting the Kashmir and Ladakh. After reentering Baltistan, its valley supports the Shingo River Road, which is also called the Kargil–Skardu Road. Line of Control 34°56′N 76°46′E  /  34.933°N 76.767°E  / 34.933; 76.767 Other conflicts Border skirmishes Strikes The Line of Control ( LoC )

1221-589: The substantial village of Olding on the left, before joining the Indus River a little above Marol . The Shingo river is clearer than other rivers in Ladakh because it is formed from melting ice. It flows through Chanigund. The Shingo River runs north of the Line of Control dividing the Indian- and Pakistani-administered portions of Kashmir. Gultari is the largest city on its course. A road runs parallel to

1258-755: The valley of The area has been divided into two union councils (elected village councils or panchayats ) for administrative purpose, i.e. Shingo Shighar and Gultari. The Shingo Shighar union council comprises six small villages in the valley of Shigar River: Pato thali, Nogham, Akberabad, Ginyal (Ginial), Matyal, and Thali. The Gultari union council includes 10 villages along the main Shingo River on "Astor-Kargil Road": such as Gultari khas, Sumuluk, Shawaran, Chamaluk, Franshat, Bunyal, Zaigham, Koner, Chundo, Thanote, Shakhma, Babachan, Fultuks (Matial, Haramel, Domial, Machikial, Uchi, Das, Barbat, Baikhial are small hamlets of Fultuks). Since Pakistan-administered area of geostrategically important Gultari valley has been neglected by

1295-465: The zero line. Pakistan has not constructed a border fence, however a number of villages lie near the zero line. In the Tithwal area, 13 villages are in front of the Indian fence. The total number between the fence and zero line on the Indian side is estimated to be 60 villages and at least one million people are spread over the districts adjacent to the LoC from Rajouri to Bandipora . According to

1332-477: Was completed in late 2004. LoC fencing was completed in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region on 30 September 2004. According to Indian military sources, the fence has reduced the numbers of militants who routinely cross into the Indian side of the disputed region by 80%. In 2017, a proposal for an upgraded smart fence on the Indian side was accepted. A number of villages lie between the Indian fence and

1369-607: Was opened on 14 November 2005. The Line of Control divided the Kashmir into two and closed the Jhelum valley route, the only way in and out of the Kashmir Valley from Pakistani Punjab . This ongoing territorial division severed many villages and separated family members. Some families could see each other along the LoC in locations such as the Neelum River, but were unable to meet. In certain locations, women on

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