Apropos to the report published in ‘Hindustan Times’ that India will soon erect a ‘floating fence’ anchored by submerged metallic mashes along the disputed Sir Creek border area with Pakistan. Sir Creek is a 96km strip of water that is disputed between India and Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch marshlands. The creek, which opens up into the Arabian Sea, divides the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat with the Sindh province of Pakistan. Reportedly, two Indian agencies, National Buildings Construction Cooperation (NBCC) and Central Public Works Department, have started ‘gabion box’ fencing the area that will have all weather concertina wires and poles.
It is important to mention that Sir Creek is a disputed area; thus, any unilateral step would infuriate the real claimant of the Creek, the Pakistan. Pakistan and India have the history of failed dialogue due to the intransigence of Indian leadership. India and Pakistan are continuously in talks with regard to the maritime boundary dispute in this area; thus India’s act of erecting floating fence in Sir Creek can prove counterproductive. It will negate the spirit of confidence building measures and the efforts to resolve the disputes through dialogue.
AFIA AMBREEN
Rawalpindi
