02msg.htmMessage Board on 'softer' LoC Will a 'softer' LoC foster peace between India and Pakistan? Will a 'softer' LoC foster peace? Will 'softer' LoC foster peace? Dhiraj Shetty 02-09-2004:16:53:08 September 02, 2004 Thursday 16:53 IST 02-09-2004:17:02:45 September 02, 2004 Thursday 17:02 IST New Delhi The Indian government is reportedly ready to 'soften' the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir to enhance people-to-people contacts, despite concerns over the recent increase in infiltration and violence in the state. <P><IMG height=217 alt="" src="http://im.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/02msg.jpg" width=360 border=0></P> <P></IMG>In a significant development, the government is reportedly ready to <A class="" href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/02indpak.htm" target=new>'soften'</A> the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir to enhance people-to-people contacts, despite concerns over the recent increase in infiltration and violence in the state.</P> <P>The aim, apparently, is to make some 'realistic progress' in the composite dialogue process when External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh meets his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid M Kasuri on September 5-6 in New Delhi. </P> <P>Proponents believe the free movement of citizens between J&amp;K and Pak-occupied-Kashmir would foster a desire for peace and turn the tide against terrorists.</P> <P>But critics argue the move would actually encourage further infiltration of <A class="" href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/02hafiz.htm" target=new>terrorists</A>, and demoralize and weaken India's security personnel, who have been fighting foreign-trained militants for over 15 years now. </P><STRONG>What is your </STRONG><A class="" href="http://mboard.rediff.com/board/postboard.php?action=a&amp;boardid=news2004sep02msg" target=new><STRONG>opinion</STRONG></A>? 02-09-2004:17:22:00 Rediff.com Jammu and Kashmir 02-09-2004:17:02:45 Free News