A demarcation line was originally established in January 1949 as a ceasefire line, following the end of the first Kashmir war. The LOC passes through a mountainous region around 5,000 metres high. The conditions are so extreme that the bitter cold claims more lives than the sporadic military skirmishes. The UN has maintained a presence in the disputed area since 1949. It is commanded by Major-General Jozsef Bali of Hungary.
Religion is an important aspect of the dispute.
So a common faith underpins Pakistans claims to Kashmir, where many areas are Muslim-dominated. There have been sporadic but recently increasing incidents of sectarian violence. There are several groups pursuing the rival claims to Kashmir. The most prominent are the pro-Pakistani Hizbul Mujahideen, which declared a ceasefire last week. Islamabad denies providing them and others with logistical and material support.