Mountain War Zone Talks Agreed
The leaders of India and Pakistan have agreed to hold talks which could bring an end to the world's highest war over the disputed region of Kashmir in the Himalaya
Posted: 7 January 2004
by Jon
Peace in the disputed Kashmir area of the Himalayas seems to be a
step closer after the leaders of Indian and Pakistan agreed to talks
over the region next month.
The area is one of the most beautiful parts of the Himalayas, but
has long been extremely hazardous for trekkers and climbers due to
the dispute which dates back to the independence of Pakistan in 1947.
The Siachen glacier is notorious as the world's highest war zone,
with both countries maintaining armed bases in the face of extreme
conditions at very high altitudes and exchanging shell fire across
the seracs.
The area is also notorious for incursions by armed militants who
cross from Pakistan into India and for the actions of Kashmiri
separatists including one incident in 1995 when six western trekkers
- including two Britons were kidnapped - and one was found beheaded
after Indian authorities refused to meet the kidnappers' demands.
There's still a long way to go before peace returns to the region,
but after years of fighting and numerous failed attempts to bring an
end to the conflict, it has to be a positive step forward.
For more details see this Guardian
story and this selection
of articles on the BBC News site.
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