SRINAGAR, Aug 7: Indian and Pakistani artistes will perform together in restive Indian Kashmir in what is believed to be the first such event since the Himalayan territory was split between the countries in 1947 , organizers said Saturday.

Ramesh Mehta, the head of Indian Kashmir's cultural academy, said the event on Thursday would "highlight the composite cultural ethos" of the nuclear-armed neighbours.

"This will be a first-ever event in Kashmir when artists of the two neighbouring countries will share a platform," said Mehta, whose academy is organizing the show with a private Indian arts academy.

The performance at a theatre in Srinagar will include internationally acclaimed Indian dancer and choreographer Mallika Sarabhai and Pakistani singer Samia Malik.

The two countries have hailed people-to-people contact as a key force in easing decades of hostility as part of a peace process launched in April 2003.

Thousands of Indians crossed the border earlier this year for an India-Pakistan cricket tour, with many fans raving about Pakistani hospitality. Last month a group of Pakistani scouts and guides visited Indian Kashmir. -AFP