Opinion | Cross-LoC Tourism Aspirations: Possibilities and Challenges

The idea of cross-LoC tourism—connecting people, cultures, and economies—holds significant promise but also faces formidable hurdles. Realizing this vision requires mutual dialogue, trust-building, and, crucially, Pakistan’s sincere commitment to curbing infiltration and terrorism, which have long undermined regional peace.

The Line of Control (LoC) divides Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied territory. Though it functions as a de facto border, it lacks international recognition. Following the 1972 Shimla Agreement, India and Pakistan renamed the 1949 UN-supervised ceasefire line as the LoC, without altering their territorial claims. Ironically, this heavily militarized line cuts through one of the world’s most beautiful regions. The LoC runs across Kashmir’s rivers, forests, meadows, and mountains—areas rich in potential for tourism and cultural exchange. Yet deep-seated mistrust and recurring conflict have obstructed cross-border engagement. For cross-LoC tourism to move forward, Pakistan must demonstrate genuine intent to halt infiltration and state-sponsored extremism. Its internal instability, military interference in governance, and lack of political consistency remain significant roadblocks. If Pakistan commits to change, it stands to gain the most—both economically and diplomatically—from peaceful engagement across the LoC.

Aspirations

Cross-LoC tourism carries deep emotional significance. Since Partition, people have yearned to visit their ancestral homes or reunite with relatives across the border. On both sides of the LoC, families wave across the Kishanganga (Neelam) River, separated by history but bound by memory. I recall a poignant story I came across on social media of an elderly man in Uri, clutching a faded photo of his brother. They had been separated as children during Partition. “He’s probably gone now,” he whispered, “but I still wish to see the house he built.” For many like him, cross-LoC tourism symbolizes more than leisure—it represents healing and closure. It’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones, heritage, and a shared past. This initiative could open tightly shut doors between people who share history, culture, language—and even grief. It wouldn’t redraw borders, but soften their emotional edges. People from both sides could experience shared traditions—food, music, and landscapes—that politics and conflict have kept apart for decades. Economically, cross-LoC tourism could uplift border communities long deprived of peace and prosperity. Homestays, local crafts, transport, and food industries could flourish, empowering ordinary citizens. More importantly, it could serve as a peacebuilding tool. Human interaction fosters empathy, breaking down the walls of propaganda and fear.

Possibilities

The region’s natural beauty, cultural ties, and emotional resonance have always made cross-LoC tourism a viable idea. However, strained India-Pakistan relations have dimmed its prospects. The recent Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack dealt another blow to this dream. Yet, with a peace-seeking framework and the people’s aspirations, it remains possible. In 2005, the launch of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service—Karwan-e-Aman—was a historic step. For the first time in

decades, separated families reunited, albeit under strict protocols. The emotional scenes—tears, embraces, hands reaching through fences—proved that peace begins not just in diplomacy, but in people’s hearts.Such connections remain the most powerful possibility for progress. Economically, tourism could boost hospitality, handicrafts, and transport sectors. It could also help preserve shared cultural and religious heritage, fostering spiritual and historical tourism. The region’s potential for eco-tourism and adventure travel adds another layer of opportunity.Above all, cross-LoC tourism could be a form of soft diplomacy. Gradual, people-driven engagement could ease tensions, rebuild trust, and reframe narratives on both sides.

Challenges

Despite strong aspirations and promising possibilities, the challenges are serious. The primary obstacle remains the strained political relationship between India and Pakistan. Frequent ceasefire violations, infiltration, and terrorism threaten the safety of tourists and border communities alike. Heavy militarization and constant surveillance complicate civilian movement. Inadequate infrastructure. Poor coordination, lack of standard procedures, and bureaucratic hurdles—including complex visa processes—make cross-border travel difficult. Pakistan’s internal instability, particularly military interference in civilian governance, often derails peace efforts. The influence of non-state actors and inconsistent political will further erode trust. Years of hostility have shaped public narratives, reducing enthusiasm for cross-border interaction. Terrorism, narcoterrorism, and cross-border infiltration are critical concerns that cannot be ignored. Without credible action from Pakistan to address these issues, the initiative remains vulnerable and largely symbolic.

India has repeatedly extended peace gestures, only to be met with violence—from the 2008 Mumbai attacks to the recent Pahalgam incident. If Pakistan genuinely seeks peace and cooperation, it must shift its approach. It must act wisely and with conviction if cross-LoC tourism is to become a reality.

Email: vadiekashmir@gmail.com