Wagah-type arrangement on J&K LoC?

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, JUNE 28. The Government is looking at some select locations along the Line of Control (LoC) for to and fro movement of Kashmiris, but a final decision can be taken only if Pakistan curbs cross-border infiltrations, highly placed Government sources said.

According to sources, the reduction of infiltrations into Kashmir will be the key to the implementation of a host of possible Confidence Building Measures( CBMs) which include the facilitation of greater interaction between Kashmiris on both sides of the LoC.

In case infiltrations visibly reduce, a section of the Government is considering two points along the LoC through which to and fro traffic can be allowed. Sources point out that Uri and Chakoti are two locations on the LoC which are presently under consideration.

At the moment, the Government is considering implementing a Wagah-type arrangement as it exists along the Indo-Pak. border in Punjab as a possible model for Kashmir. However, any arrangement on the LoC can be finalised only after detailed inter-ministerial consultations and after a breakthrough on infiltrations has been achieved. As of now, the Prime Minister's Office is almost fully in charge of preparations for the Musharraf visit. Detailed inter-ministerial consultations, can be expected only after July 1.

Sources point out that General Musharraf cannot be expected to make a public statement on restraining infiltrations as Pakistan has never formally acknowledged any responsibility for the movement of militants into Kashmir. India will, therefore, have to base its response on private assurances by Pakistani leaders and on what actually happens on the ground after General Musharraf departs for Islamabad. Indian security forces after the General's exit are expected to carefully monitor the LoC for any perceptible drop in infiltrations. It is estimated that it will take around a month to determine whether cross-border movement of militants has actually reduced or not.

Sources here clarified that General Musharraf has the capacity to restrict infiltrations, as the Pakistani military still exercises a ``high degree of control'' over militant groups operating from its soil.

Other CBMs which can be considered during the Musharraf visit include force reductions in Kashmir. The armed forces in India are also keen that interaction at the level of Army Chiefs of the two militaries is regularised. Some protocol problems, however, may have to be ironed out as General Musharraf is likely to appoint an officer who will be his de facto successor, but with a four star status shortly . This officer, however, is unlikely to be formally accorded the designation of Chief of Army Staff and therefore may not be technically on par with an Indian Army chief.

Sources clarified that no movement on disengagement of forces from the Siachen glacier can be expected during the coming Indo- Pak. summit. However, the Siachen issue could be under serious consideration in phase-II of the talks which can follow the upcoming round, provided there is a breakthrough on arriving at a semantically correct formulation on Kashmir acceptable to both sides.

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