Line of Control facts for kids
The Line of Control (often called LOC) is a special line that divides the region of Kashmir. Think of it like an invisible fence that separates land controlled by India from land controlled by Pakistan. It's not a legal international border (meaning it hasn't been officially agreed upon by all countries), but it acts as the real boundary between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.
India and Pakistan had a conflict over Kashmir between 1947 and 1948. The LOC started as the military front line when they agreed to stop fighting in 1949. Over time, this front line became a more permanent boundary. It was officially named the Line of Control after an agreement called the Simla Agreement, signed on July 3, 1972.
All of Kashmir used to be a single princely state called Kashmir and Jammu. Today, the part controlled by India is known as the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The two parts controlled by Pakistan are called Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The Line of Control is about 740 km (460 mi) long.
There's another line, similar to the LOC, that separates the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir from an area controlled by China, called Aksai Chin. This line is further east and is known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China and Pakistan have agreed on their border in this area, but India has not.
Why India Built a Fence Along the LOC
India has built a large fence along its side of the Line of Control. This fence is currently about 550 km (340 mi) long. It doesn't cover the entire length of the LOC because some parts are too difficult to build on, like mountains.
India says the fence helps stop people from secretly bringing weapons across the border. It also aims to prevent separatist groups from entering India from Pakistan. Pakistan has said that building this fence goes against agreements between the two countries and also against rules set by the United Nations.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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A map from the United Nations showing the Line of Control. The LoC is not fully defined near the Siachen Glacier.
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This image shows the Indian fence, villages, and military posts along the LoC.
See also
In Spanish: Línea de control para niños
