Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 24: Following abrogation of special Constitutional provisions of Jammu and Kashmir and declaration of J&K and Ladakh as Union Territories by the Central Government, the Indian Army now planned to open several high altitude military locations like Siachen Glacier for the Indian citizens.
Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world located at the height of 18,875 feet from the sea level in Ladakh where life of soldiers guarding the boundary with Pakistan is extremely tough in view of freezing temperature.
Sources told the Excelsior that the demands had been pouring in from the adventurous tourists visiting Ladakh for opening up at least some points of Siachen Glacier and few hills of Kargil where Indian troops fought limited war with Pakistan in 1999 to evict Pakistan army regulars and infiltrators who had captured the heights. India had won the war on July 26, 1999 after completely evicting the Pakistani troops and intruders from all heights of Kargil.
“After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens. The plan was recently mentioned by Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat during a seminar attended by several officers including senior Lieutenant Generals,” sources said.
They added that during the conference, the Chief of Army Staff had stated that there was increased curiosity about the Indian Army and its operational challenges among the people of the country including the tourists who visit Ladakh.
“The Army chief had further said that this would be good for national integration. As the force has been allowing citizens to visit training centres and institutions, we now plan to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier as well.”
The Siachen Glacier is part of Ladakh which has now been converted into a Union Territory by the Narendra Modi Government by separating it from the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has also been turned into a Union Territory.
Sources said the Army has not yet decided on the procedures and the particular positions of Siachen Glacier where it would allow tourists. The Siachen Glacier is maintained by thousands of Indian troops round the year where extreme cold conditions and the treacherous glacial terrain are bigger enemies than the enemy bullets.
Army sources said that Indians visiting Ladakh and nearby places have been requesting for permission to visit famous Kargil war positions as well like the Tiger Hill where the Indian Army fought the Pakistanis.
Asked whether there would be any opposition to the Army’s plan from Pakistan, sources said the entire area belongs to India and it was up to the Indian administration to decide on these matters.
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