Priyanka Singh replies: The cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade between the two sides of Jammu and Kashmir started in October 2008 as a result of an understanding reached between India and Pakistan under the Composite Dialogue process. After hectic deliberations, trade was allowed on the Poonch- Rawalakote and the Uri-Muzaffarabad sector. A bus service meanwhile had been underway on both the routes since 2005. The cross-LoC trade is undertaken on a mutually agreed limited list of 21 items.

Vivek Chadha replies: The UNMOGIP was established after the cessation of hostilities in 1949. It was mandated to monitor the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. However, the mission lost its relevance after the 1972 Shimla Agreement, wherein both India and Pakistan agreed to resolve their differences bilaterally. Pakistan has since gone back on this Agreement and has time and again referred to the UN resolution of 1948 and 1949. It has also attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue at every possible bilateral and multilateral forum. Pakistan’s reference to UNMOGIP, therefore, should be seen in this context.

The recent incidents on the LoC are related to Pakistan's strategy to push in terrorists to create disturbance inside J&K. Its actions on the LoC are a direct attempt at inciting violence, despite no instance of provocation from India. Therefore, India reserves the right to take suitable military measures to ensure both the territorial integrity of the country and safety of its people. This reality is well recognised internationally and Pakistan is clearly seen as the perpetrator of terrorism. In this context, India's handling of the issue has led to its recognition as a mature power vis-à-vis Pakistan, which is seen as the jehadi factory not only against India but all liberal societies in the world.

Reply: Please refer to earlier replies posted in this section in response to similar queries, by Sarabjeet Singh Parmar at http://idsa.in/askanexpert/Whatarethestrategicandsecurityimplications and by Rukmani Gupta at http://idsa.in/askanexpert/WhatisChinasStringofPearldoctrine

Vivek Chadha replies: India faces a challenging environment on the LoC. It is important to understand it, before looking at the means of neutralising or at least minimising the threat. First, there is near parity in force levels. Therefore, any talk of doing a US kind of operation has its challenges. Second, India faces a dual threat of infiltration by terrorists and LoC violations by regulars. This forces the army to deploy for both contingencies. This is not the ideal way of deploying in the area, as the method attempts to do both the tasks well, which is not possible. On the other hand, Pakistan does not face similar threats from India. Third, the geography of the area makes manning the LoC very difficult, especially during bad weather. Fourth, the LoC does not run in a straight line. Its curvaceous nature leads to creation of avenues for easy infiltration. Fifth, Pakistan continuously attempts to maintain instability on the LoC, as it is a convenient sub-conventional advantage it has.

In view of these circumstances, the following can be done to create disincentives for Pakistan. First, there should be a declaratory policy of measured response to any violation of ceasefire on the LoC. This will create caution against misadventures. Second, the retaliatory action should be punitive and a lesson for future. Third, a clear escalation ladder should be war-gamed to ensure that actions remain within it. Fourth, the threat of border actions, infiltration and raids must be as probable for Pakistan as it is for India to keep opposing forces unstable. Fifth, our forces should be equipped and maintained with the best technology and weapons to create an edge on the LoC.