nThe family of Yasir Faiz, a 32-year-old mentally challenged man from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has made an urgent appeal to authorities in Pakistan and India for his safe return after he inadvertently crossed the Line of Control (LoC) on Sunday. Faiz, a resident of Tetrinote in AJK’s Poonch district, was taken to a hospital in Rawalakot on Saturday for psychiatric treatment. According to his family, he panicked when a doctor prepared to administerTensions Escalate Along LoC as Civilians Face Unprecedented Risks
The Line of Control (LoC) between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Indian-administered Kashmir has long been a flashpoint for conflict. Recent incidents, however, have highlighted the growing risks faced by civilians living in the region. From fatal shootings to mysterious disappearances,the human cost of this decades-old dispute continues to rise.
Fatal Encounters and Unverified Claims
In May 2023, mughal, a resident of the Nakyal sector, was shot dead by Indian troops while grazing cattle. This tragic incident was followed by another in August 2023, when an AJK villager was martyred by the Indian army while standing in his field in the same sector. These shootings are part of a disturbing pattern of violence against civilians.In June 2023, two villagers were martyred, and another was injured by Indian troops in the Tetrinote area. This incident marked the first major “willful” ceasefire violation in two and a half years, reigniting tensions along the LoC.
Adding to the controversy, Indian media claimed in October 2023 that the Indian army had killed “five militants” who had infiltrated from AJK. though, no bodies or evidence were provided to substantiate these claims, raising questions about the veracity of the reports.
Missing Civilians: A Growing Concern
the LoC has also become a site of disappearances, with several civilians going missing under unclear circumstances. In October 2023, five residents of Neelum Valley’s Gurez area vanished while foraging for herbs near the LoC. Their whereabouts remain unknown, leaving families in anguish.
teenagers Siyam Maqsood and Asmaad Ali are among the inadvertent crossers who remain unaccounted for. In August 2021, 15-year-old maqsood crossed the loc after a trivial dispute at home. His mother, Amna Bibi, told Dawn.com, “The family had been unaware of his whereabouts.” Similarly,in November 2021,14-year-old Asmaad crossed the LoC while chasing his pet pigeon. Despite a Juvenile Justice Board in Indian-administered Kashmir ordering his release in August 2022, he has not been repatriated.
Afzal Kiani, a journalist-turned-lawyer based in Abbaspur, has been advocating for the repatriation of these boys. “such cases highlight the need for greater coordination between Pakistani and Indian authorities to ensure the safety and swift repatriation of those who inadvertently cross the divide,” he said.
A Call for Action
The escalating violence and disappearances along the LoC underscore the urgent need for diplomatic intervention. Families of the victims and missing persons are calling for openness and accountability from both sides.
| Key Incidents Along the LoC (2023) |
|—————————————-|
| May 2023: Mughal shot dead while grazing cattle |
| June 2023: Two villagers martyred in Tetrinote |
| august 2023: AJK villager killed in Nakyal |
| October 2023: Five residents missing in Gurez |
The international community must step in to mediate and ensure the safety of civilians living in this volatile region. For now, the families of the victims and missing persons continue to wait for answers, their lives forever altered by the conflict along the LoC.
What can be done to address these issues? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
Addressing the Human Cost of LoC Conflicts: A Conversation with Dr. Aisha Khan
The Line of Control (LoC) between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Indian-administered Kashmir has long been a flashpoint for violence and tension. Recent incidents of civilian disappearances, fatal shootings, and unverified claims have underscored the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and accountability. In this exclusive interview, dr. Aisha Khan, a renowned expert on South Asian geopolitics and human rights, discusses the escalating risks faced by civilians and potential solutions to address these pressing issues.
Civilian Disappearances: A Growing Crisis
Senior Editor: Dr. Khan, recent reports highlight a troubling trend of civilians disappearing near the LoC, with cases like the five residents of Gurez who went missing in october 2023. What factors contribute to these disappearances,and how can they be addressed?
Dr. Aisha Khan: The disappearances near the LoC are deeply concerning and often tied to the lack of clarity and interaction between Pakistani and Indian authorities. Civilians living in border areas frequently engage in activities like foraging or grazing, wich inadvertently lead them across the LoC. Unfortunately, without proper mechanisms to verify their identities and intentions, they are often detained or go missing. To address this, both countries must establish a joint task force to investigate such cases, ensure clarity, and facilitate the swift repatriation of these individuals.
Inadvertent Crossings: The Case of Teenagers
senior editor: Teenagers like Siyam Maqsood and Asmaad Ali have also inadvertently crossed the LoC, leaving their families in anguish. Why are such cases so arduous to resolve, and what steps can be taken to prevent them?
Dr.Aisha Khan: Inadvertent crossings, especially by minors, are a tragic outcome of the LoC’s volatile nature. These cases are complicated by bureaucratic red tape, mistrust between the two nations, and the absence of clear protocols for handling such incidents. One immediate step woudl be to establish a dedicated humanitarian corridor for the repatriation of minors and vulnerable individuals. Additionally, awareness campaigns in border communities can educate residents about the risks and ensure families are better equipped to handle disputes or accidents that might lead to crossings.
Escalating Violence Against Civilians
Senior editor: The LoC has also witnessed a surge in violence against civilians, with fatal shootings reported in Nakyal and Tetrinote. What drives this escalation, and how can it be mitigated?
Dr. Aisha Khan: The escalation in violence is rooted in the broader political tensions between India and Pakistan, which often spill over into border areas. Civilians are frequently caught in the crossfire, either as collateral damage or direct targets. To mitigate this, both nations must recommit to the ceasefire agreements and prioritize de-escalation. The international community, particularly the United Nations, can play a crucial role by mediating talks and ensuring accountability for violations against civilians.
The Role of the International Community
Senior Editor: You’ve mentioned the international community’s potential role. What specific actions can global organizations take to address these issues?
Dr. Aisha khan: The international community must actively engage in monitoring and documenting incidents along the LoC. Organizations like the UN can establish independent fact-finding missions to investigate claims of violence and disappearances. Additionally, they can facilitate dialog between India and pakistan, emphasizing the need for humanitarian cooperation. Pressure from global leaders and human rights organizations can also encourage both countries to adopt measures that protect civilians and uphold international law.
A Call for Accountability and Transparency
Senior Editor: Families of victims and missing persons are calling for openness and accountability. how can this be achieved in such a politically charged environment?
dr. Aisha Khan: Achieving accountability requires a multi-pronged approach.First, both governments must commit to transparency by publicly acknowledging incidents and providing regular updates to affected families. Second, independent human rights organizations should be granted access to border areas to monitor and report on conditions. civil society groups can play a vital role in advocating for victims’ rights and keeping pressure on authorities to act responsibly.Only through collective efforts can we ensure that the voices of these families are heard and their grievances addressed.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Khan,for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the situation along the LoC demands urgent attention and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. We hope this interview sheds light on the human cost of this conflict and inspires meaningful action to protect civilians in the region.
Dr. Aisha Khan: Thank you for the possibility to discuss this critical issue.I remain hopeful that with sustained advocacy,diplomatic engagement,and international support,we can work towards a safer and more peaceful future for the people living along the LoC.
