Editing Line of Control (section)

== Characteristics ==

=== Terrain ===
The LoC from [[Kargil district|Kargil]] to [[Gurez]] comprises mountain passes and valleys with small streams and rivers.{{Sfn|Durrani|2001|p=27}} The area up to around {{convert|14,000|ft}} is wooded while the peaks rise higher.{{Sfn|Durrani|2001|p=27}} Winter is snowy while summers are mild. From Gurez to [[Akhnoor]], the area is mountainous and hilly respectively and is generally forested. There are tracks and minor roads connecting settlements.{{Sfn|Durrani|2001|p=27}} The mix of flora and elevation affects visibility and [[Sightline|line of sight]] significantly.{{Sfn|Durrani|2001|p=39}}

=== Ceasefire violations ===
In 2018, two corps and a number of battalions of the [[Border Security Force]] manned the Indian side of the LoC.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=109}} The [[X Corps (Pakistan)|Rawalpindi Corps]] manned the Pakistani side.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=109}} Ceasefire violations (CFV's) are initiated and committed by both sides and show a symmetry.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=145}}{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=86}} The response to a CFV at one location can lead to shooting at an entirely different area.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=85}} Weapons used on the LoC include small arms, [[rocket-propelled grenades]], [[recoilless rifles]], [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]], [[automatic grenade launchers]], rocket launchers and a number of other direct and indirect weaponry.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=18}} Military personnel on both sides risk being shot by snipers in moving vehicles, through bunker peepholes and during meals.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=82}} 

The civilian population at the LoC, at some points ahead of the forward most post, has complicated the situation.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=113}} Shelling and firing by both sides along the LoC has resulted in civilian deaths.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=96, 100}}<ref>{{Cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Naveed|date=25 December 2017|title=3 Pakistani soldiers martyred in 'unprovoked' cross-LoC firing by Indian army: ISPR|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1378789|url-status=live|access-date=30 August 2021|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|DAWN]]|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830022349/https://www.dawn.com/news/1378789}}</ref> Bunkers have been constructed for these civilian populations for protection during periods of CFV's.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 February 2021|title=J&K completes 84% of underground bunkers along LoC to protect residents during border shelling|work=[[ThePrint]]|agency=PTI|url=https://theprint.in/defence/jk-completes-84-of-underground-bunkers-along-loc-to-protect-residents-during-border-shelling/600614/|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212011812/https://theprint.in/defence/jk-completes-84-of-underground-bunkers-along-loc-to-protect-residents-during-border-shelling/600614/|url-status=live}}</ref> India and Pakistan usually report only casualties on their own sides of the LoC,{{Sfn|Zakaria|2018|p=xxiv-xxv}} with the media blaming the other side for the firing and each side claiming an adequate retaliation.{{Sfn|Zakaria|2018|pp=17–18}}

According to Happymon Jacob, the reasons for CFVs along the LoC include{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=152–153}} 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),{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=158–180}} politico-strategic reasons,{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=181–187}} proportional response (land grab, sniping triggered, "I am better than you", revenge firing),{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=187–202}} accidental CFVs (civilian related, lack of clarity where the line is){{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=207–212}} and other reasons (like testing the new boys, honour, prestige and humiliation, fun, gamesmanship).{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=202–207}} Jacob ranks operational reasons as the main cause for CFVs, followed by retributive and politico-strategic reasons .{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=152–153}}

=== Landmines and IEDs ===
Mines have been laid across the India–Pakistan border and the LoC in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 2001.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=97}} The small stretch of land between the rows of fencing is mined with thousands of [[Land mine|landmines]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Umar|first=Baba|date=30 April 2011|title=Mines of war maim innocents|work=[[Tehelka]]|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=Ne3000411Mines.asp|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}}</ref> During the [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff]] thousands of acres of land along the LoC were mined.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=98}} 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.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=98}} Between January 2000 to April 2002, 138 military personnel were killed on the Indian side.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=98}}

=== Posts and bunkers ===
Reinforced sandbagged and concrete posts and bunkers are among the first line of defence along the LoC.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=148}}<ref>{{Cite web|agency=AP|date=3 April 2021|title=Pakistan-India peace move silences deadly LoC|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1616085|access-date=30 August 2021|website=Dawn|language=en|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830113602/https://www.dawn.com/news/1616085|url-status=live}}</ref> Armed soldiers man these positions with enough supplies for at least a week.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=148–149}} The posts and bunkers allow soldiers to sleep, cook, and keep a watch on enemy positions round the clock.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=148–149}} Some posts are located in remote locations. Animals are sometimes used to help transport loads, and at some posts animals are reared.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=148–149}} The living quarters and the forward facing bunker are located at some distance apart.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=150}} The locations of some posts do not follow any pre-ordained plan, rather they are in locations used during the [[First Kashmir War]] and the following cease-fire line, with minor adjustments made in 1972.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=151}}

=== Indian LoC fencing ===
[[File:Line of Control LoC.png|thumb|360x360px|alt= Diagram of Indian fencing relative to the zero line showing villages and bunkers and posts along the LoC |Indian fencing relative to the zero line, villages and posts/bunkers along the LoC.]]
India constructed a {{convert|550|km|adj=on}} barrier along the {{convert|740|km}}<ref name=":length" />–{{convert|776|km}}{{Sfn|Arora|Kumar|2016|p=6}} LoC by 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Williams|first=Matthias|date=20 October 2008|title=FactBox – Line of control between India and Pakistan|language=en|work=[[Reuters]]|editor-last=Scrutton|editor-first=Alistair|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/kashmir-border-idINDEL18181520081020|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=25 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825142752/https://www.reuters.com/article/kashmir-border-idINDEL18181520081020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The fence generally remains about {{convert|150|yd}} 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]] {{convert|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" for the Indian troops, who can be alerted and ambush the infiltrators trying to sneak in.<ref name="thehindu_Fence">{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Vinay|date=1 Feb 2004|title=LoC fencing in Jammu nearing completion|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020109130800.htm|access-date=23 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216000931/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020109130800.htm|archive-date=16 February 2004}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=30 April 2017|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=31 July 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022202213/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-set-to-install-smart-fence-along-loc/article18340498.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> 

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 was completed in late 2004. LoC fencing was completed in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region on 30 September 2004.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|date=16 December 2004|title=LoC fencing completed: Mukherjee|work=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/LoC-fencing-completed-Mukherjee/articleshow/960859.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022112105/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-12-16/india/27151889_1_loc-fencing-infiltration-barak|archive-date=22 October 2012}}</ref> 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%.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gilani|first=Iftikhar|date=4 March 2005|title=Harsh weather likely to damage LoC fencing|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_4-3-2005_pg7_41|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|access-date=31 July 2007|publisher=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]}}</ref> In 2017, a proposal for an upgraded smart fence on the Indian side was accepted.<ref name=":0" />

=== Border villages ===
A number of villages lie between the Indian fence and the zero line. Pakistan has not constructed a border fence, however a number of villages lie near the zero line.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=155}} In the [[Tithwal]] area, 13 villages are in front of the Indian fence.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=155}} 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 district|Rajouri]] to [[Bandipore district|Bandipora]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Ashutosh|date=1 April 2021|title=Caught in the twilight zone between India and Pakistan, border villages struggle to survive|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/loc-international-border-villages-india-pakistan-aios|url-status=live|access-date=7 September 2021|website=[[The Caravan]]|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908223828/https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/loc-international-border-villages-india-pakistan-aios}}</ref>

=== Infiltration and military cross-LoC movement ===
According to the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, 1,504 "terrorists" attempted to infiltrate India in 2002.{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=156–157}} Infiltration was one of India's main issues during the [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 June 2002|title=British and US surveillance may monitor Kashmir|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jun/12/kashmir.india|url-status=live|access-date=2 September 2021|website=[[The Guardian]]|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902141749/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jun/12/kashmir.india}}</ref> 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.{{Sfn|Jacob, Line on Fire|2018|pp=156–157}} The Indian LoC fence has been constructed with a defensive mindset to counter infiltration.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Katoch|first=Dhruv C|date=Winter 2013|title=Combatting Cross-Border Terrorism: Need for a Doctrinal Approach|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/WriteReadData/Documents/combattingcrossborder.pdf|journal=CLAWS Journal|page=10|access-date=2 September 2021|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902141749/https://indianarmy.nic.in/WriteReadData/Documents/combattingcrossborder.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The reduction in infiltration also points to a reduction in support of such activities within Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Khan|first=Aarish Ullah|date=September 2005|title=The Terrorist Threat and the Policy Response in Pakistan|url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/files/PP/SIPRIPP11.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2 September 2021|website=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|page=35|archive-date=5 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905050013/https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/files/PP/SIPRIPP11.pdf}} SIPRI Policy Paper No. 11</ref> During the [[2019 Balakot airstrike]], Indian planes crossed the LoC for the first time in 48 years.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gokhale|first=Nitin A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3-_KDwAAQBAJ|title=Securing India the Modi Way: Balakot, Anti Satellite Missile Test and More|date=2019|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]]|isbn=978-93-89449-27-3|language=en|chapter=1. Pulwama: Testing Modi's Resolve|access-date=6 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928155021/https://books.google.com/books?id=3-_KDwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Crossing points===
{{OSM Location map
|   coord = {{coord|34.1823|74.0588}} 
|    zoom = 9
|   width = 400
|  height = 650
| caption = LoC crossing points in green [[File:Green pog.svg|15px]]. (Haji Peer/Silkote and Tatta Pani–Mendher crossing points approximate.)
| nolabels = 1

|      label = Chakothi / Salamabad
| mark-coord = {{coord|34.10374|73.90470}}
|  label-color = black
|  label-size = 12
|  label-pos = bottom
| mark =Green pog.svg
| mark-size = 15
| mark-title = Chakothi / Salamabad
| mark-image = 
| mark-description = 

|      label1 = Tetrinote / Chakan Da Bagh
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|33.75439|74.00867}}
|  label-color1 = black
|  label-size1 = 12
|  label-pos1 = bottom
| mark1 =Green pog.svg
| mark-size1 = 15
| mark-title1 = Tetrinote / Chakan Da Bagh
| mark-image1 = 
| mark-description1 =

|      label2 = Chilliana / Teetwal
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|34.38961|73.77085}}
|  label-color2 = black
|  label-size2 = 12
|  label-pos2 = bottom
| mark2 =Green pog.svg
| mark-size2 = 15
| mark-title2 = Chilliana / Teetwal
| mark-image2 = 
| mark-description2 =

|      label3 = Rawalakot
| mark-coord3 = {{coord|33.853406|73.751475}}
|  label-color3 = grey
|  label-size3 = 12
| mark3=Black pog.svg
| mark-size3 = 9
| mark-title3 = Rawalakot
| mark-image3 = 
| mark-description3 =

|      label4 = Poonch
| mark-coord4 = {{coord|33.7703|74.0925}}
|  label-color4 = grey
|  label-size4 = 12
|  label-pos4 = right
| mark4=Black pog.svg
| mark-size4 = 9
| mark-title4 =  Poonch
| mark-image4 = 
| mark-description4 =

|      label5 = Chakothi
| mark-coord5 = {{coord|34.1171|73.8831}}
|  label-color5 = black
|  label-size5 = 0
|  label-pos5 = left
| mark5=Red pog.svg
| mark-size5 = 7
| mark-title5 =  Chakothi
| mark-image5 = 
| mark-description5 =

|      label6 = Uri
| mark-coord6 = {{coord|34.086111|74.033333}}
|  label-color6 = grey
|  label-size6 = 12
|  label-pos6 = right
| mark6=Black pog.svg
| mark-size6 = 9
| mark-title6 =  Uri
| mark-image6 = 
| mark-description6 =

|      label7 = Tithwal
| mark-coord7 = {{coord|34.3942735|73.7740876}}
|  label-color7 = black
|  label-size7 = 0
|  label-pos7 = right
| mark7=Red pog.svg
| mark-size7 = 7
| mark-title7 =  Tithwal
| mark-image7 = 
| mark-description7 =

|      label8 = Chilliana
| mark-coord8 = {{coord|34.3977316|73.7617332}}
|  label-color8 = black
|  label-size8 = 0
|  label-pos8 = left
| mark8=Red pog.svg
| mark-size8 = 7
| mark-title8 =  Chilliana
| mark-image8 = 
| mark-description8 =

|      label9 = Salambad
| mark-coord9 = {{coord|34.1037162|73.9411896}}
|  label-color9 = black
|  label-size9 = 0
|  label-pos9 = right
| mark9=Red pog.svg
| mark-size9 = 7
| mark-title9 =  Salambad
| mark-image9 = 
| mark-description9 =

|      label10 = Mendhar
| mark-coord10 = {{coord|33.6|74.1}}
|  label-color10 = black
|  label-size10 = 0
|  label-pos10 = right
| mark10=Red pog.svg
| mark-size10 = 7
| mark-title10 =  Mendhar
| mark-image10 = 
| mark-description10 =

|      label11 = Tatta Pani
| mark-coord11 = {{coord|33.605569|73.948138}}
|  label-color11 = black
|  label-size11 = 0
|  label-pos11 = left
| mark11=Red pog.svg
| mark-size11 = 7
| mark-title11 =  Tatta Pani
| mark-image11 = 
| mark-description11 =

|      label12 = Haji Pir 
| mark-coord12 = {{coord|33.964036|74.069426}}
|  label-color12 = black
|  label-size12 = 0
|  label-pos12 = left
| mark12=Red pog.svg
| mark-size12 = 7
| mark-title12 =  Haji Pir 
| mark-image12 = 
| mark-description12 =

|      label13 = Nausadda
| mark-coord13 = {{coord|34.4035913|73.7154134}}
|  label-color13 = grey
|  label-size13 = 12
|  label-pos13 = top
| mark13=Red pog.svg
| mark-size13 = 9
| mark-title13 =  Nausadda
| mark-image13 = 
| mark-description13 =

|      label14 = Tatta Pani–Mendher
| mark-coord14 = {{coord|33.613|74.008}}
|  label-color14 = black
|  label-size14 = 12
|  label-pos14 = bottom
| mark14=Green pog.svg
| mark-size14 = 15
| mark-title14 = Tatta Pani–Mendher
| mark-image14 = 
| mark-description14 =

|      label15 = Tatrinote
| mark-coord15 = {{coord|33.75|74.00}}
|  label-color15 = black
|  label-size15 = 0
|  label-pos15 = left
| mark15=Red pog.svg
| mark-size15 = 7
| mark-title15 =  Tatrinote
| mark-image15 = 
| mark-description15 =

|      label16 = Chakan Da Bagh
| mark-coord16 = {{coord|33.75968|74.03629}}
|  label-color16 = black
|  label-size16 = 0
|  label-pos16 = right
| mark16=Red pog.svg
| mark-size16 = 7
| mark-title16 =  Chakan Da Bagh
| mark-image16 = 
| mark-description16 =

|      label17 = Haji Peer/Silkote
| mark-coord17 = {{coord|34.03524|74.07811}}
|  label-color17 = black
|  label-size17 = 12
|  label-pos17 = bottom
| mark17=Green pog.svg
| mark-size17 = 15
| mark-title17 = Haji Peer/Silkote
| mark-image17 = 
| mark-description17 =

|      label18 = Silkote
| mark-coord18 = {{coord|34.04210|74.07484}}
|  label-color18 = black
|  label-size18 = 0
|  label-pos18 = left
| mark18=Red pog.svg
| mark-size18 = 7
| mark-title18 =  Silkote
| mark-image18 = 
| mark-description18 =

|      label19 = Muzaffarabad
| mark-coord19 = {{coord|34.37307|73.47009}}
|  label-color19 = grey
|  label-size19 = 12
|  label-pos19 = left
| mark19=Black pog.svg
| mark-size19 = 9
| mark-title19 =  Muzaffarabad
| mark-image19 = 
| mark-description19 =

|      label20 = Kupwara
| mark-coord20 = {{coord|34.5263|74.2527}}
|  label-color20 = grey
|  label-size20 = 12
|  label-pos20 = left
| mark20=Black pog.svg
| mark-size20 = 9
| mark-title20 =  Kupwara
| mark-image20 = 
| mark-description20 =

|      label21 = Kotli
| mark-coord21 = {{coord|33.505556|73.899167}}
|  label-color21 = grey
|  label-size21 = 12
|  label-pos21 = left
| mark21=Black pog.svg
| mark-size21 = 9
| mark-title21 =  Kotli
| mark-image21 = 
| mark-description21 =
}}
Pakistan and India officially designated five crossing points following the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]]—Nauseri-Tithwal; Chakoti-Uri; Hajipur-Uri; Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapani-Mendhar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 October 2005|title=Pakistan, India agree to open five LoC points|url=http://beta.dawn.com/news/163590/pakistan-india-agree-to-open-five-loc-points|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2021|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|DAWN]]|language=en|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012170855/https://www.dawn.com/news/163590/pakistan-india-agree-to-open-five-loc-points}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hussain|first=Aijaz|date=21 November 2005|title=Kashmir earthquake: Opening of relief points along LoC becomes high point of Indo-Pak ties|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/story/20051121-kashmir-earthquake-opening-of-relief-points-along-loc-becomes-high-point-of-indo-pak-ties-786572-2005-11-21|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2021|website=[[India Today]]|language=en|archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826113232/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/story/20051121-kashmir-earthquake-opening-of-relief-points-along-loc-becomes-high-point-of-indo-pak-ties-786572-2005-11-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 October 2005|title=India, Pakistan to open military border|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/10/30/india-pakistan-to-open-military-border|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2021|website=[[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]|archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826113234/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/10/30/india-pakistan-to-open-military-border}}</ref> 

According to Azad Jammu and the Kashmir Cross LoC Travel and Trade Authority Act, 2016, the following crossing points are listed:<ref>[https://law.ajk.gov.pk/assets/lawlibrary/2019-02-13-5c64687ee21671550084222.pdf Azad Jammu and Kashmir Cross LoC Travel and Trade Authority Act, 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826113236/https://law.ajk.gov.pk/assets/lawlibrary/2019-02-13-5c64687ee21671550084222.pdf |date=26 August 2021 }}. Act XVI of 2016. ''Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights Department, AJK Government''. Retrieved 26 August 2021.</ref><ref name="Archived copy" />

* Rawalakot–Poonch
* Chakothi–Uri
* Chaliana–Tithwal
* Tatta Pani–Mendher
* Haji Peer–Silli Kot

Trade points include: Chakothi – Salamabad and Rawalakot (Titrinote) – Poonch (Chakkan-da-Bagh). The ordinance passed in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Cross LoC Travel and Trade Authority Ordinance, 2011 (AJK Ordinance No. XXXII of 2011)|url=http://nasirlawsite.com/laws/ajkcross.htm|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2021|website=|via=nasirlawsite.com|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630082530/http://nasirlawsite.com/laws/ajkcross.htm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Singh|first=Priyanka|date=1 January 2013|title=Prospects of Travel and Trade across the India–Pakistan Line of Control (LoC)|journal=[[International Studies (journal)|International Studies]]|language=en|volume=50|issue=1–2|pages=71–91|doi=10.1177/0020881715605237|s2cid=157985090|issn=0020-8817}}</ref> 

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 the Indian side.{{sfnp|Jacob, The Line of Control|2018|loc=114–115}} 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.{{Sfn|Zakaria|2018|p=71}} Even a short-term, temporary crossing invites interrogation by government agencies.{{Sfn|Zakaria|2018|p=71}} The Indian and Pakistani military use these crossing points for flag meetings and to exchange sweets during special occasions and festivals.<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 August 2021|title=Indian, Pakistani troops exchange sweets along LoC in Kashmir on Pak's I-Day|work=[[Business Standard India]]|agency=PTI|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indian-pakistani-troops-exchange-sweets-along-loc-in-kashmir-on-pak-s-i-day-121081401349_1.html|access-date=26 August 2021|archive-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826121019/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indian-pakistani-troops-exchange-sweets-along-loc-in-kashmir-on-pak-s-i-day-121081401349_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=22 June 2021|title=India, Pakistan forces exchange Eid sweets for first time since Pulwama|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pakistan-forces-exchange-eid-sweets-for-first-time-since-pulwama/articleshow/84623826.cms|url-status=live|access-date=29 August 2021|website=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829081203/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pakistan-forces-exchange-eid-sweets-for-first-time-since-pulwama/articleshow/84623826.cms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Abhishek|date=26 March 2021|title=India, Pakistan hold brigade commanders-level meet to discuss peace at LoC|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pak-hold-brigade-commanders-level-meet-to-discuss-peace-at-loc-1784055-2021-03-26|url-status=live|access-date=29 August 2021|website=[[India Today]]|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829081203/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-pak-hold-brigade-commanders-level-meet-to-discuss-peace-at-loc-1784055-2021-03-26}}</ref> On 21&nbsp;October 2008, for the first time in 61 years, cross-LoC trade was conducted between the two sides.{{Sfn|Hafeez|2014|p=80}} Trade across the LoC is barter trade.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Naseem|first=Ishfaq|date=11 January 2017|title=Kashmir's Cross-Border Barter Trade|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/kashmirs-cross-border-barter-trade/|url-status=live|access-date=3 September 2021|website=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]]|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903115213/https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/kashmirs-cross-border-barter-trade/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Taneja|first1=Nisha|last2=Bimal|first2=Samridhi|date=2015|title=Revisiting India Pakistan Cross-LoC Trade|journal=[[Economic and Political Weekly]]|volume=50|issue=6|pages=21–23|jstor=24481356|issn=0012-9976|quote=Two key features form the core of the LOC trading arrangement: (i) barter exchange, and (ii) zero customs duty.}}</ref> In ten years, trade worth nearly [[Pakistani rupee|PKR]] 11,446 crore or {{INRConvert|5000|c|lk=on|year=2018}} has passed through the Chakothi – Salamabad crossing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ehsan|first=Mir|date=2018-05-29|title=Border business: Where Kashmir unites India, Pakistan via trade|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/border-business-where-kashmir-unites-india-pakistan-via-trade/story-0QtjXon1LAd4MupcEk3N7N.html|url-status=live|access-date=3 September 2021|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|location=Salamadad (Uri)|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903115214/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/border-business-where-kashmir-unites-india-pakistan-via-trade/story-0QtjXon1LAd4MupcEk3N7N.html}}</ref>

==== Chilliana – Teetwal ====
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Neelumvalleyborder.jpg
| image2 = Azad Kashmire of Pakistan Side.jpg
| footer = Neelam Valley and the Chilliana – Teetwal border crossing.
| caption1 = August 2015
| caption2 = February 2018
}}
The [[Teetwal]] crossing is across the [[Neelum River]] between [[Muzaffarabad]] and [[Kupwara]]. It is usually open only during the summer months,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Iqbal|first=Mir|date=3 November 2016|title=Teetwal LoC crossing point reopens after 3 months|work=[[Greater Kashmir]]|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/teetwal-loc-crossing-point-reopens-after-3-months/232593.html|access-date=26 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107063805/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/teetwal-loc-crossing-point-reopens-after-3-months/232593.html|archive-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> and unlike the other two crossings is open only for the movement of people, not for trade.<ref name="Archived copy">{{Cite web|title=Crossing Points|url=http://www.ajktata.gok.pk/crossing-points/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615163142/http://www.ajktata.gok.pk/crossing-points/|archive-date=15 June 2019|access-date=9 March 2019|website=ajktata.gok.pk (AJK Travel and Trade Authority)}}</ref> The Tithwal bridge, first built in 1931, has been rebuilt twice.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=16 October 2020|title=A shut LoC bridge, and a Kashmir village living under the shadow of Pakistani snipers|work=[[ThePrint]]|url=https://theprint.in/india/a-shut-loc-bridge-and-a-kashmir-village-living-under-the-shadow-of-pakistani-snipers/524598/|access-date=27 August 2021|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008235308/https://theprint.in/india/a-shut-loc-bridge-and-a-kashmir-village-living-under-the-shadow-of-pakistani-snipers/524598/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Chakothi – Salamabad ====
The Salamabad crossing point, or the Kamran Post, is on the road between [[Chakothi]] and [[Uri, Jammu and Kashmir|Uri]] in the [[Baramulla district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] along the LoC.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=10 November 2005|title=Pakistan: Second border crossing-point opens to allow relief from India |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/india/pakistan-second-border-crossing-point-opens-allow-relief-india|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826104710/https://reliefweb.int/report/india/pakistan-second-border-crossing-point-opens-allow-relief-india|archive-date=26 August 2021|access-date=26 August 2021|website=[[ReliefWeb]]}}</ref><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=[[The Economic Times]] |date=9 January 2018 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817121207/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/62429258.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="ET_CrossLOC"/> 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.<ref name="HT_inaugurate">{{cite news|date=21 February 2008|title=J&K CM inaugurates rebuilt Aman Setu|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|agency=IANS|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/j-k-cm-inaugurates-rebuilt-aman-setu/story-J8rVhViLWXHhl6NHHz1VbL.html|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005837/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/j-k-cm-inaugurates-rebuilt-aman-setu/story-J8rVhViLWXHhl6NHHz1VbL.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This route was opened for trade in 2008 after being closed for 61 years.<ref name="livemint_Trucks">{{cite news|last=Ramasubbu|first=Krishnamurthy|date=21 October 2008|title=Trucks start rolling, duty-free commerce across LoC opens|publisher=[[Livemint]]|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/rkyV94TJ7QOHhPUMS5wqDN/Trucks-start-rolling-dutyfree-commerce-across-LoC-opens.html|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005910/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/rkyV94TJ7QOHhPUMS5wqDN/Trucks-start-rolling-dutyfree-commerce-across-LoC-opens.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Srinagar–Muzaffarabad Bus]] crosses this bridge on the LoC.<ref name="OutlookKaman">{{cite news|date=19 February 2006|title=Re-erected Kaman Aman Setu will be inaugurated on Monday|publisher=Outlook|agency=PTI|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/re-erected-kaman-aman-setu-will-be-inaugurated-on-monday/356510|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005653/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/re-erected-kaman-aman-setu-will-be-inaugurated-on-monday/356510|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Tetrinote – Chakan Da Bagh ====
A road connects [[Kotli]] and [[Tatrinote]] on the Pakistan side of the LoC to the Indian [[Poonch district, India|Poonch district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] through the Chakan Da Bagh crossing point.<ref name="ET_Cross_Goods"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 August 2014|title=Chakan-Da-Bagh in Poonch|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|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 centre 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=[[The Economic Times]] |date=13 June 2016 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726040823/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/cross-loc-trade-at-rs-2800-crore-in-last-three-years/articleshow/52730540.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

Most of the flag meetings between Indian and Pakistani security forces are held here.<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 |archive-date=24 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824231523/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pak-hold-flag-meeting/article19546903.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Tattapani – Mendhar ====
The fourth border crossing between [[Tatta Pani, Azad Kashmir|Tattapani]] and [[Mendhar Tehsil|Mendhar]] was opened on 14&nbsp;November 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-11-15|title=Fourth Kashmir crossing opens|url=http://beta.dawn.com/news/165637/fourth-kashmir-crossing-opens|url-status=live|access-date=26 August 2021|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|DAWN]]|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012170856/https://www.dawn.com/news/165637/fourth-kashmir-crossing-opens}}</ref>

{{Clear}}