New Delhi: On Friday, the army commander of India said that the demilitarisation of Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world, can be implemented only when the Pakistan accepts the basic conditions of India. He also clarified that the conditions are not agreeable to them.
At a press conference, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Northern Command Lt.Gen. D.S. Hooda said that India’s stand is very clear and before discussing about any withdrawal, there are some basic conditions that have to be met. He added that some of the condition are not agreeable to the other country and therefore, this agreement has not taken place. He also stated that talks are underway.
The army officials came in response to suggestion by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Thursday for “urgent” resolution of Siachen issue by mutual withdrawal of troops in the wake of recent avalanche tragedy.
Basit said, “These tragedies only reinforce the need to resolve the issue…urgently and through peaceful means, through dialogue.”
To this, the Northern Army Commander said, “Let me take it clear. We had a tragic event on Siachen. I see no reason at all to connect this to any withdrawal of troops from the glacier. It is unwarranted and incorrect.”
