There is at least one group (above all others) that values the comparative “calm” that has recently settled over the LOC in Kashmir, as India/Pakistan relations have thawed. The mighty Markhor. The Independent reports:
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Kashmir has produced an unexpected beneficiary – the world’s largest goat.
The markhor, a mountain goat that stands almost 6ft tall at the shoulder and can weigh 17 stone, was thought to be extinct in Indian-held Kashmir. But a recent joint survey by Indian wildlife organisations and the Indian army found 35 small herds – 155 goats – thriving near the Line of Control.
As recently as 1970 there were 25,000 on the Indian side, but by 1997 they had been driven to near extinction. The main cause was the conflict.
The Indian Express goes into more detail:
”It is really encouraging that we still have a sizeable Markhor population here. The present peace situation is conducive for wildlife. Regular cross-border firing and shelling was a serious threat. But the habitation was improving even before the ceasefire was announced in late 2003. We declared protected areas and were hopeful that the Markhor population would improve,” J&K Chief Wildlife Warden CM Seth told The Indian Express.J&K Principal Chief Conservator of Forests SD Swatantra also lauded the Army for its role.
”Army personnel have been sensitive to the environmental concerns. Border thaw during the last two years has helped the animals a lot. Earlier, constant presence of the troops minimised poaching and human interference. Now in the absence of conflict, the habitat is improving fast,” he said.
What a noble animal. A part of me has always wished that humans too had horns. A lot of petty arguments could be settled by simply locking horns for a few moments…or impalement. Plus girls would immediately know that you were packing.
A pariah agiary is rushing new pledges in Bombay (via 
Last night we had a MOAP (Mother of all Parties) at our North Dakota world headquarters. We had just finished hazing the heck out of the newest blogger at SM. After she chugged the 10 beers laid out before her and received two taps with the ceremonial paddle (courtesy of me 
), Cicatrix was given a set of keys to “the bunker.” Also, just a fair warning. Anyone that calls her “aunty” will be banned. Please join me in welcoming her [clap clap clap].
Michael H. of 
