Line of Control

The Line of Control (LOC) is a line which demarcates the boundary between the territories controlled by two militaries or political entities.

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Specifically, the term "LOC" refers to the military control line between India and Pakistan, in the province of Kashmir. Originally known as the "Ceasefire Line", it was redesignated the "Line of Control" after the Simla Agreement, which was formalized in December 1972. The Indians refer to their portion of the territory as Jammu and Kashmir, while the Pakistanis refer to the Indian portion as Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

Related Topics:
India - Pakistan - Kashmir - Simla Agreement - December 1972

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The Pakistanis refer to their portion of the territory as Azad (Free)Jammu and Kashmir; in turn, the Indians refer to Pakistani Occupied Kashmir (POK).

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The cease-fire line between India and People's Republic of China in the Aksai Chin — where it is known as the "Line of Actual Control" (LAC). There have been proposals in the Indian press to regularize the LOC as the international boundary between India and Pakistan; this, however, is against official Indian government policy. Pakistan also desires sovereignty over the entire area.

Related Topics:
People's Republic of China - Aksai Chin - Line of Actual Control

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The LoC has seen various Indo-Pakistani Wars, the latest one being in 1999 when both India and Pakistan fought in the Kargil War. There have been frequent artillery duels between India and Pakistan along the LOC.

Related Topics:
Indo-Pakistani War - 1999 - Kargil War

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Portions of the LOC have been fenced.

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