The Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan is not just a border — it is the physical outcome of war, diplomacy, geographical misunderstanding, and unresolved political ambition. Every major flashpoint in Kashmir — from cross-border firing and terrorism to the Kargil War and the Siachen conflict — connects back to how and why the LoC was drawn.
To understand this, we need to go back to 1947.
Contents
- 1 How did the Kashmir conflict begin in 1947?
- 2 UN Intervention and the Creation of the Ceasefire Line
- 3 Why NJ 9842 and Siachen became a problem
- 4 Operation Meghdoot: India Takes Control of Siachen (1984)
- 5 Check out our Geography Optional Course – Click Here
- 6 From Ceasefire Line to Line of Control (1972)
- 7 Why the LoC matters even today
- 8 Check out our GS Geography Course – Click Here
- 9 FAQs
How did the Kashmir conflict begin in 1947?
At the time of independence, Jammu & Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. Instead of joining India or Pakistan, he wanted Kashmir to remain independent.
Taking advantage of the uncertainty, Pakistani regular forces and tribal militias invaded Kashmir and advanced rapidly, reaching close to Baramulla — just a few days away from Srinagar.
Under pressure, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, officially acceding Jammu & Kashmir to India. In response, India deployed troops, leading to the first India–Pakistan war of 1947–48.
UN Intervention and the Creation of the Ceasefire Line
To prevent further escalation, India took the issue to the United Nations. The UN called for:
- Immediate ceasefire
- Withdrawal of Pakistani troops
- Reduction of Indian forces
- A plebiscite in Kashmir
Until the plebiscite happened, a temporary Ceasefire Line was drawn to separate the two armies.
This line was demarcated by:
- Lt. Gen. S.M. Shrinagesh from India
- Maj. Gen. W. J. Cawthome from Pakistan (who later became the founder of ISI)
The line was marked from Jammu, Rajouri, Uri, along the Jhelum River — and then it suddenly stopped at a grid point: NJ 9842.
Beyond this point, the document simply said:
“Thence north to the glaciers.”
No exact boundary was drawn.
This single sentence created one of the most dangerous ambiguities in military history.
Why NJ 9842 and Siachen became a problem
The region north of NJ 9842 is extremely cold, high, and full of glaciers — especially the Siachen Glacier and the Saltoro Ridge. At that time, it was assumed that no army would ever fight in such extreme conditions.
But this ambiguity became an opportunity.
Pakistan interpreted “north” as north-east towards the Karakoram Pass, claiming Siachen.
India interpreted “north” as due north along the Saltoro Range, keeping Siachen in its territory.
In the 1970s, Pakistan started issuing climbing permits and encouraging expeditions via its side, slowly changing international maps in its favour.
India realised what was happening.
Operation Meghdoot: India Takes Control of Siachen (1984)
In 1981–82, Colonel Narendra Kumar led an Indian expedition to survey the area and confirmed Pakistani activity.
In 1984, Indian intelligence intercepted a large Pakistani order for arctic military equipment, indicating plans to occupy Siachen.
India acted first.
Under Operation Meghdoot, Indian troops were airlifted to key passes:
- Bilafond La
- Sia La
India captured the high points of the Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge, preventing Pakistan from occupying them.
This made Siachen the world’s highest battlefield.
A costly position — but a strategically critical one for protecting Ladakh and Kashmir.
Check out our Geography Optional Course – Click Here
From Ceasefire Line to Line of Control (1972)
After the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan signed the Shimla Agreement (1972).
Under this:
- The Ceasefire Line officially became the Line of Control (LoC)
- The Kashmir issue was to be handled bilaterally
- No third-party mediation (including the UN) was allowed
Even then, the boundary remained defined only up to NJ 9842, with the same ambiguous phrase:
“Thence north to the glaciers.”
This unresolved wording is the reason the Siachen conflict still technically exists today.
Why the LoC matters even today
The Line of Control is at the centre of:
- Cross-border terrorism
- Ceasefire violations
- Kargil War (1999)
- Military standoffs
- Diplomatic tensions
It is not just a military line — it is a symbol of unfinished history, unresolved borders, and geopolitical risk.
For India, holding Siachen means:
- Dominating high ground
- Preventing China–Pakistan physical linkup
- Protecting Ladakh and Kashmir
- Securing strategic mountain passes
That is why, despite the human and financial cost, India continues to occupy Siachen.
Check out our GS Geography Course – Click Here
FAQs
- #LineOfControlUPSC – How was the Line of Control formed between India and Pakistan after 1947?
- #SiachenGlacierConflict – Why did the ambiguity of NJ 9842 lead to the Siachen conflict?
- #OperationMeghdoot – How did India capture and secure the Siachen Glacier in 1984?
- #ShimlaAgreement1972 – How did the Shimla Agreement transform the Ceasefire Line into the Line of Control?
