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SPOTLIGHT

ON REGIONAL AFFAIRS

VOL XXXI No. 1 & 2-2012

EXPANDING CROSS-LOC INTERACTIONS:
A CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
APPROACH TO KASHMIR

Dr. Shaheen Akhtar

Introduction

The study examines the transformational value of the current patterns of cross-LoC interactions by using the conflict transformation approach that believes

in changing the conflict structure from war system to peaceful system. It argues that expanding cross-LoC travel and trade has the potential to create

transformational spaces which will help ease tensions over Kashmir and bring in its people to the centre in resolving the Kashmir dispute. It will eventually

contribute to peaceful settlement of the conflict by transforming it from State-centric to people-centric solutions. Thus priority should be given to removing

all operational difficulties blocking implementation of the agreed cross-LoC confidence building measures (CBMs), especially institutionalizing cross-LoC

travel and trade linkages. It identifies major problems in cross-LoC interactions especially in the area of travel, trade and intra-Kashmiri dialogue and explores

ways and means of removing the difficulties in the implementation of the steps agreed to by both sides. Further, people-centric interactions must be

expanded to another two areas like cross-LoC tourism and educational cooperation that also hold great transformational potential and can contribute to

strengthening the cross-LoC linkages and dialogue processes. Finally, it makes specific recommendations to India and Pakistan on how they can improve

trans-LoC interactions.

Dr Shaheen Akhtar is Research Fellow at the Institute of Regional Studies. She specializes in regional security, conflict resolution,

environment and water security issues in the South Asian Region.

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