Major Shaitan Singh
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Amidst growing clamour from Pakistan for withdrawal of troops from Siachen Glacier, the Indian Army's annual civilian trek to the glacier on August 27, albeit sans any media persons. The Army's attempt is aimed at keeping the annual trek low-key this time around.
The civilian trek, essentially comprising of volunteers from mountaineering institutes and military schools, has been conducted by the Indian Army since 2007 as part of the Indian government's policy to assert control over the region, often dubbed as the highest battle ground in the world with the highest post on the Indian side located at over 22,000 feet. Since 2007, barring in 2010 when cloudburst at Leh forced the Army to cancel the trek, the expedition has been an annual feature.
The Siachen Glacier, the longest non-polar glacier, became the bone of contention after India pre-empted a Pakistani operation in 1984 under a "Operation Meghdoot'. The Glacier saw bitter battles as the two countries fought to gain control over the frigid heights that do not allow even a blade of grass to grow. More soldiers fell to the extreme weather than to the bullets of the enemy. There has been ceasefire on the glacier since 2003.
The Siachen Trek has been a source of invaluable experience for people seeking to write on military and strategic issues as the solution of this contention between the two arch-rivals in the sub-continent is still not in sight.
Sustaining a strong appetite in the cold environment of the Glacier is the key to remain alive there. In 2008 when my fellow trekkers lost weight I was the only one to have gained 2kg all thanks to the loads chocolates given as ration!!!
The civilian trek, essentially comprising of volunteers from mountaineering institutes and military schools, has been conducted by the Indian Army since 2007 as part of the Indian government's policy to assert control over the region, often dubbed as the highest battle ground in the world with the highest post on the Indian side located at over 22,000 feet. Since 2007, barring in 2010 when cloudburst at Leh forced the Army to cancel the trek, the expedition has been an annual feature.
The Siachen Glacier, the longest non-polar glacier, became the bone of contention after India pre-empted a Pakistani operation in 1984 under a "Operation Meghdoot'. The Glacier saw bitter battles as the two countries fought to gain control over the frigid heights that do not allow even a blade of grass to grow. More soldiers fell to the extreme weather than to the bullets of the enemy. There has been ceasefire on the glacier since 2003.
The Siachen Trek has been a source of invaluable experience for people seeking to write on military and strategic issues as the solution of this contention between the two arch-rivals in the sub-continent is still not in sight.
Sustaining a strong appetite in the cold environment of the Glacier is the key to remain alive there. In 2008 when my fellow trekkers lost weight I was the only one to have gained 2kg all thanks to the loads chocolates given as ration!!!
