The Siachen GlacierThe roots of the conflict over Siachen (the place of roses) lie in the non-demarcations on the western side on the map beyond NJ9842. The 1949 Karachi agreement and the 1972 Simla agreement presumed that it was not feasible for human habitation to survive north of NJ9842. Piror to 1984 neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area.
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Time Magazine: War at the Top of the World
- In spite of the severe climate, the word `Siachen` ironically means `the place of wild roses`.
- The glacier is the highest battleground on Earth, where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently since 1984.
- Siachen is the world’s largest non-polar glacier, and thus is sometimes referred to as the third pole.
T h
e
S i a c h e n
G l a c i e r
is located in the East Karakoram/Himalaya, at approximately 35.5° N 76.9° E. It is one of the five largest glaciers in the Karakoram, situated at an average altitude of 5,400 meters (~17,700 feet) above sea level. Most of the Siachen Glacier as is the LoC, a hotly contested territory between Pakistan and India.The Siachen glacier lies South of the great watershed that separates Central Asia from the Indian subcontinent, and Pakistan from China in this region. The 78 km long Siachen glacier lies between the Saltoro ridge line to the west and the main Karakoram range to the east. The Saltoro ridge originates from the Sia Kangri peak in the Karakoram range and the altitudes range from 5500 to 7300 m (18,000 to 24,000 feet). The major passes on this ridge are Sia La at 6100 m (20,000 ft) and Bila Fond La at 5800 m (19,000 ft).Understand Kashmir through these books | Siachen Glacier Satellite Image
War at the Top of the WorldThawing relations between India and Pakistan have brought a cease-fire to the strife-torn Siachen Glacier.Will hostilities remain on ice?
| What is the guarantee that some future Pakistani general/president will not re-occupy Siachen with ‘freedom fighters’? And a future Indian government will not ask the armed forces to take back the Soltoro ridge? |
Conflict Zone
The glacier is located in the disputed Kashmir region and is claimed by India and Pakistan. In spite of the severe climate, the word `Siachen` ironically means `the place of wild roses`, a reference some people attribute to the abundance of Himalayan wildflowers found in the valleys below the glacier, but specifically refers to the thorny wild plants which grow on the rocky outcrops. The glacier is also the highest battleground on Earth, where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently since 1984. Both countries maintain permanent military personnel on the glacier at a height of over 7,000 metres. The site is a prime example of mountain warfare. The glacier`s melting waters are the main source of the Nubra River, which falls into the Shyok River. The Shyok in turn joins the Indus River, crucial to both India and Pakistan.The roots of the conflict over Siachen lie in the non-demarcation of the cease-fire line on the map beyond a map coordinate known as NJ9842. The 1949 Karachi agreement and the 1972 Simla Agreement presumed that it was not feasible for human habitation to survive north of NJ9842. Prior to 1984 neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area.
[google-news name=”Siachen”]
Fighting
In the 1970s and early 1980s Pakistan permitted several mountaineering expeditions to climb high peaks on this glacier. This was to reinforce their claim on the area as these expeditions arrived on the glacier with a permit obtained from the Government of Pakistan. Once having become aware of this in about 1978, Colonel N. Kumar of the Indian Army mounted an Army expedition to Teram Kangri peaks as a counter-exercise. The first public mention of a possible conflict situation was an article by Joydeep Sircar in The Telegraph newspaper of Calcutta in 1982, reprinted as “Oropolitics” in the Alpine Journal, London,in 1984. India launched Operation Meghdoot (named after the divine cloud messenger in a Sanskrit play) on 13 April 1984 when the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force went into the Glacier. Pakistan, which had also gotten wind of it quickly responded with troop deployments and what followed was literally a race to the top. Within a few days, the Indians were in control over most of the glacier as Pakistan were beaten by just a week. The two passes due to Indian military pre-emption – Sia La and Bilfond La were secured by India while the Gyong La pass remained under Pakistan control. Since then both sides have launched several attempts to displace each others forces, but with little success.
Current situation
The Indian Army controls a few of the top-most heights, holding on to the tactical advantage of high ground, however with Pakistani forces in control of Gyong La pass, Indian access to K-2 and other surrounding peaks has been blocked effectively and mountaineering expeditions to these peaks continue to go through with the approval of the Government of Pakistan. The situation is as such that Pakistanis cannot get up to the glacier, while the Indians cannot come down. Presently India holds two-thirds of the glacier and commands two of the three passes including the highest motorable pass – Khardungla Pass. Pakistan controls Gyong La pass that overlooks the Shyok and Nubra river Valley and India`s access to Leh district. The battle zone comprised an inverted triangle resting on NJ 9842 with Indira Col and the Karakoram Highway as the other two extremities. Every year more soldiers are killed because of severe weather than enemy firing. The two sides have lost close to 4,000 personnel primarily due to frostbites, avalanches and other complications. Both nations have 150 manned mirroring outposts along the glacier, with some 3,000 troops each. Official figures for maintaining these outposts are put at ~$300 and ~$100 million for India and Pakistan respectively. The Indians rely on helicopters made indigenously, which are probably the only choppers that can reach such heights, whereas Pakistan has simplified the logistical nightmare by building roads and paths to all of its positions across the glacier. India has also built the world`s highest helipad on this glacier at a place called Sonam, which is 21,000 feet above the sea level, to serve the area and ensure that her troops are kept supplied via helicopter support (adding to considerable cost).During her tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ms Benazir Bhutto, visited Gyong La pass making her the first premier from either side to vist the glacier. On June 12, 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the glacier calling for a peaceful resolution of the problem. In the previous year, the President of India, Abdul Kalam became the first head of state to visit the area. India based Jet Airways plans to open a chartered service to the glacier`s nearest airlink, the Thoise airbase, mainly to fly the soldiers. Pakistan`s PIA flies tourists and trekkers daily to Skardu, which is the jumping off point for K2, although bad weather frequently grounds these scheduled flights.The glacier`s melting waters are the source of the river Indus, a vital water source for both India and Pakistan. Global warming has had its worst impact here in the Himalayas with the Glacier melting at an unprecedented rate.On average, one Pakistani soldier is killed every fourth day, while one Indian soldier is killed every other day. Over 1,300 Pakistani soldiers have died on Siachen between 1984 and 1999. According to Indian estimates, this operation had cost India over Rs. 50 billion and almost 2,000 personnel casualties till 1997. Almost all of the casualties on both sides have been due to extreme weather conditions.
Courtesy: wikipedia.com and other sources
A greener peace in the Himalayan peaksSiachen Glacier: The story with picturesIndian Army’s lifeline – Chhetah and Cheetal helicoptersSiachen and the Indian KhakiIndian PerspectivePakistan PerspectiveMountain Warfare
The Indian Perspective The view from PakistanGeopolitical ramification Probable resolutionsOther PerspectivesVideosCounting Cost: Siachen
This iok n pok is part of Kashmir,,,
Great salute to our jawans…………….
I am a proud Indian musilm. The thing is, in India, muslims can exist but in pakistan, Hindus cannot exist. India is secular. Paksitan is not.
Indian muslims live safer, healthier and happier lives than any pakistani muslims. We have benifitted from Indian development and I am sure that India will become one of the greatest countrys ever.
Proud to be an indian..proud of Indian amy..best army in the world..!! Sabse diler Indian army..!!
Sleeping under the blanket in my home by switching on my room heater gives me a safer sleep. My soldier brothers, I have nothing to give you but salute to all my Indian soldiers for sacrificing themselves to our Motherland. Requesting our Indian Govt. to give the utmost support to those who are sitting on 17000 feet by putting their hand on the trigger towards Pakistan. God please give me a chance to do something for my brave friends. Hindustan Hamara, Jai Hind.
It was the “Land of Wild Roses” before it became the highest battlefield of the world. It was the Armageddon of storms but the human megalomania made it the combat zone between two potential nations of the world. We believe that Pakistanis or Indians feel pride that this frozen pool exists in their area but not sure whether they like this to be the bone of contention among them. By now, it would have become a necropolis of hundreds of soldiers. What if we make it a real Peace Park?
http://www.thelovelyplanet.net/siachen-glacier-the-land-of-wild-roses/
Amar Payaray, 1971 me kon kehta hai PK jang jeeta tha. PK me tu koi nhn kehta. Lakin 1965 me tu it was whole different story, PK had total air superiority on eastern front. Sialkot ki bat kertay ho tu aik din aur ceasefire na hota tu PK airforce ne indian ground forces ko maliamet ker dena tha. aur Kargil me jo shermindagi india ko hui…… 700 pakistanis kept you busy for 4 months. Come on…. aur missile ko tu abhi tak US nahi rok paya tu India kia ker payega. Dont be a warmonger. You have a big misunderstanding that you will win a nuclear war and Delhi will survive. Wake up and talk about PEACE. thats the only rational solution for our future.
ohhhhhhhhhh the stupid and so called indians …………what are u talking about ??????you are talking about freindship while you people select your prime minister on the basis of its harsh and stupid comments for Pakistan on the other side our condidate always speak for freindship with india during his compaigns…..your prime minister had been involved in the massive killings of muslims…..who did’nt know that nd you are talking about peace you are funding taliban for terrorism in Pakistan nd then blame Pakistanis Siachen issue is also an invention of yours you have no feelings for those soldiers and are responsible for the massive casualities on both sides ….bcsz your army want to enter in our territory via korakaram highways but its Pak Army before you who had already taught you the right lesson in 65 so be aware…..okay
Reminding you 1965:-
Many pakistanis celebrate 6th september as victory day (i guess), just because they were able to withstand mighty Indian advance, and were able to save LAHORE..
It was just a PART of war!
But what about the ENTIRE WAR?
PAKISTANIS DO YOU KNOW? That
Indian army had captured 1900 sq.km area of Pakistani territory (mainly in SIALKOT, LAHORE, AZAD KASHMIR. SINDH).
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Whereas Pak army did only captured 500 sq.km area of Indian territory (mainly desert areas).
So u tell me who won the war?
😀
maine itni zyada BRAIN-WASHED aur MISGUIDED qoum koi nahi dekhi..
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Reminding you 1971:-
MANY Pakistanis even deny that that their beloved PAKISTAN ARMY surrendered in front of INDIAN ARMY in december 1971, Dhaka.
They were 93 thousand PAK army soldiers who surrendered in front of about just 20 thousand Indian army!
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India MAN-HANDLED Pakistan for those 13 days! 😀
Even Karachi in the WEST PAKISTAN was crying like a kid for 5 days soon after IAF & IN devastated it all guns blizzing!
It is a war neither side wants. Life in Siachen is impossible. Yet it has lasted more than 25 years and shows no signs of abating. There is nothing here to fight about except a vast and frozen wasteland. Yet, each of the armies spend nearly Rs 3 Crore everyday just to keep the battles and troops supplied. Over 900’s have already died. Almost everyday another young man whose life and family have been destroyed because of the distorted vision of a few people in New Delhi and Islamabad. Have you ever wondered the situation of the armies standing for the country. 97 percent of all casualties are dead due to ‘weather and terrain’ and only 3 percent fall in combat. The ones who return alive from Siachen look as though they have taken a peep into hell. All those people sitting in New Delhi and Islamabad just get up from your seats and experience a day in Siachen!
Agree with pakistani!
This world has several muslim countries. But only one hindu country. India can never dare to fight with Pakistan. Pakistan is nuclear power, can eliminate the entire indian nation within minutes. No matter india has nuclear power too. But remember you coward indians, once the battle starts their would be no hindu nation left in this world, but still lot of muslim countries will be there. So the is no comparison between india and pakistan. ‘Yeh chotey chotey ilaqon pe kabza kerney key chakar main kahin india apna wajood hi na mitwa ley kisi din’. Be carefull you fragile indians.
“DUDH MANGOGE TO KHIR DENGE
KASHMEER MANGOGE TO CHEER DENGE…”
“BHARAT MATA KI JAI………….”
“YE COMMENT UN SHHEEDON KE LIYE SHRADDHANJALI HAI JINHON NE PAKISTANION KO LAHOR TAK BHAGAYA…….”
SUO Saurabh Bhoi
NCC
i think india could face more problems already because loss mig jet here in siachen and 2 migs in kargil also lots of soldiers especially in kargil indians faced blood in kargil which forecasts there what pakistan face is the only international pressures from US or UN
Wow ! .. Its wonderful to see that You guys claiming someones else’s land . Siachin in part of J&K, which in turn demands freedom from Indian Oppression and Brutality, Its so called tallest leader Pandit jawahar Nehru went to UN with begging bowl that pakistan may take kashmir so, please ensure the pelbiscite for J&K people and let J&K people decide their future? India sent its army and occupied J&K whilst Pakistan Occupied other part of Kashmir… Where the hell is right to self determination. Kashmiris are capable enough to teach lesson to anyone.. We know how to survive as a separate country, Keep your nose away. India Killed 6 lacs muslims in Kashmir, 2500 Kashmiri Pandit brothers, 37 Sikhs in kashmir to create communal saffron terrorism in Kashmir. Hay Guys Kashmiris are one be it be Muslim, Hindu, Sikhs or Christians. India you have occupied us by military might but sooner or later you have leave every inch of our land. and All you guys blaming each others country . Shut up we kashmir dont allow strangers to discuss us , discuss Jammu and Kashmir. India Lives on Pakistan hysteria… grow up. India is a fragile country. It can split easily into 29 countries that is the reason they only one think to stay intact that is hinduvata …. and nothing … but sooner or later Indian has to leave kashmir and right to self determination will show what exactly sons of kashmir wants. Do they want to stay with Pakistan or Separate country… one is sure India is not an option for them .
Kashmir is ours, we will decide its future ( kashmir humhara hain, is ka fasila hum karegein)
aryan dear waiting for your reply not abusive language
aryan you have to shut your dirty trap. it seems that you have taken lot of urine of ” GOW MATA”( hindo takes cow as their mother and feel pride in drinking its urine- mr Gandhi used to do the same) and your are spreading filth every where. plz drink clean water to dilute the effect of your excessive dose of your filthy drink. and if it does not give you relief instead of abusing other abuse your self and your ancestors who asked you to take filthy things which are causing you to deliver filth. Look at your language and mentality ———- a clear reflective of HIndo mentality. plz learn from your environment it is not a stone age
siachin is integral part of gilgit.
my dear! remember you are the people who even consider your own sub caste called shudar worst than animal even that monkey named Hunoman is better than shudar(as per hindo methodology,your belief and practices in india). so before commenting others plz put your house in order. shudar are humans and deserve to be treated better than animals like monkeys, snakes etc.hope next time no one out of you Indians will use derogatory language against other.
indians ur requested to please remember your past ,what u were- stupid and non sense people who used to worship every creature starting from monkey to human organs. the nation who feel pride in nudism- see your gods and goddesses. plz don’t try to spite on sky it will only make your face dirty but why should you bother—- because you are the one who feel proud in drinking urine of cow. so plz dont waste your precious time in passing remarks about the nation who taught u civic sense. if you dont want to be thankful to us—-as ur the only MOHSIN KUSH nation in the world—–and wants tofollow your elders plz do so by eating filth, drinking urine and worshiping nude picture. plz stop using bad language about other as it sound unethical. wait for the time when truth will be revealed to u.
the ancestor of Indian,pakis,n Bengal ,r 1,same,by observe whole webs n news,U 3 r barking as dogs to each other, U 3 nations since belong to same,land n ancestor,n thats the reason nature is same too,killers,rapers,sexual adicts.fukin bitch,,U 3 have no right to live on this earth.as u,ve fuked the peace of south asia.U 3 should be vanished for ever,never to exist, n that u 3 natinos deserved. so let the Asia n world live in peace n harmony,Let U 3dipsht to be fuked Off
india is the cheater.india caputred scichen glasher with fruad.
hindu aik makkar nation hy pakistan army ny bilkul theek kiya hova in say nimatny k liye and aryan behave ur self dont abuse any one mother because mother is mother assumed 4 you
biased, partisan and harish treatment of Muslims in before foundation of Pakistan led Muslims to demand a separate homeland. Muslims would have never demanded a separate country if Hindus worked side by side with Muslims. And the share of Muslims in united india could have averted the muslims demand of separation.
Derogatory comments have been removed – Editor
Jai hindusthan,,,
Indians are cheat. Because of their conspiracy in 1971, Pakistan lost “East Pakistan” which is now Bangladesh. But now India is exploiting Bangladesh & their agent “Awami-League” government is killing & torturing the pious muslims in Bangladesh.
About Siachen, I want to say: If anyone looks closely at the location of Siachen in map, he/she will say that, Siachen is part of Pakistan; if he/she is honest. Because, it is clear from the map that, Siachen is part of Gilgit & Gilgit is part of Pakistan. No dout about it. But India holds it illegally showing their muscle-power.
when pakistan and india fought against each ohter on siachen conflict pakistan army can reach on this peak but bad, inefficient politics hurdle among this issue ,,,,
indians are professionaly cheaters and u indians alwayz cheated pakistani’s through Friendship…
we are very thankful for our soldier’s who protect us from such harm’s
oh pakistan stop dreaming about kashmir still in 2013 some pakistani politicians demanding the un to interfere in the kashmir conflict
In 1965 Indo Pak war, old Ayub said to young Bhutto, “SEATO, CANTO or DeGaulle, Cant anyone save our face?, If none comes to our needy aid then of Pak there is no trace. When is U Thant coming and will Kenyatta meditate, Find out, you blithering fool before it is too late”
I always consider Pakistan as India’s Ex- wife who always try to malign India with all sorts of false allegations and would always want to defame India.
Guys just ignore Pakistan. It’s time that we continue to work hard and improve our economy.
Pakistan is terrorist state and is sponsoring, abetting and training terrorists.
Pakistan is a bankrupt nation.
Pakistan has no standing in the world today.
Pakistan cannot survive without the US Aid.
The Indians should see the light of day and withdraw from the glacier, why are they sacrificing a soldier on a daily basis. They started it they should now show the path of peace and withdraw so the Pakistani side will also come down to a reasonable level. What has either side gained?
As Great Chanakya said ..its not good to be straight as Straight woods ARE CUT FIRST….
Hindus never followed this and always enjoyed peace, wealth over centuries in India..
Brits, french, came to India minted money, Muslims came through middle east and slowly spread like worms from North west India. Fortunately in 1947 Country got divided and rotten part was thrown out of India and now its ill state Pakistan…. had it been 30 years later India would have been much smaller then today…
how pakis can blame India.. they were landless muslims came to India, forcefully converted Indian Hindus to Muslims, got the portion of Land which was never meant for them (free like palestine) still curse India every time…
I don,t agree to all Indo paki peacekeepers
India and China can talk and discuss across table to sort issues
India and pak can never as pakistan is part of India and is separate nation because of foolishness of Indians
how can ex part of india claim Kashmir!
we have paid heavy in past and will continue to pay it for future. unfortunately We can not change neighbours need to be little bend so that people don,t take advantage of us
So advise to all paki brothers .. be Happy be Thankful to all Mighty you have land and water (it was ours) do good for whole world and be good example … we need good Neighbours
PEACE FOR WHOLE SOUTH EAST ASIA
one least know fact is here
Pakistan ordered special arctic weather suit to UK based company and the info got cracked by Indian intelligence. this suite was meant only for extreme weather in glaciers, India ordered 300 suits, more then double and launched operation meghdoot. in 84
Pakistan tried to capture siachen cowardly whereas Indian cracked paki intelligence and went ahead with operation…..
In Kargil too cowardly Pak army entered in Indian territories. ofcourse fighting from higher altiture availed strategic benefit. but even in wildest Dream they could never win Kargil.
After meghdoot operation in Siachen they could never capture Indian post…
All pakis must know: Pakistan was allowing access to siachen for foreign mountaineers for claiming area til 84. Indian army stopped this forever by Operation Meghdoot….
Pakistan has always enjoyed recognized control over the area, accredited by World’s renowned atlases (including National Geographic, Britannica and Times Atlases) and authenticated by maps published in 1974 by US Defence and Mapping Agency (one of the world’s most influential mapmakers), which clearly shows Siachen Glacier inside Pakistan. In addition, Sir Owen Dixon, first UN Representative to India and Pakistan, indicated Siachen Glacier as part of Pakistan in his comprehensive report on Kashmir to the Security Council in 1950.
u fkers keep on attacking us thrugh ur fkin taliban group and u r saying dat we keep on attacking u ur govt always lies to you we have a big heart coz we accept muslim community in our country but u cant accept hindu pepole in you country,the muslims in india are our brothers till theydont betray us..pakistan we can crush you like a can
miachel theres a lot u need to knw about the pakis they dont want any friendship with indians they just need war india has done a lot of effort to be friendly with these backstabbers but they are like d tail of a dog will stay bent, india has a lot of firepower just one signal from the govt and pakistan will be changed into a desert of hell but india wants peace coz if this happens it can take d shape of a world war.if u take brief look at the reports india has always tried to help these guys but they just wont stop hating us freaking cowards,have broke the ceasefire so many times
Indian and pak citizens are from same race , both brown in skin , both speak same vernacular languge.They separated on issue of religion. But today India has much muslims. Pakistan is on brink to collapse to taliban . Why not these two states help each other. why not they make a single , great , secular nation where all religions can be honored ? Where humanity in maintained. -A puzzled european.( Yes , I believe in one europe!)
Indian and pak citizens are from same race , both brown in skin , both speak same vernacular languge.They separated on issue of religion. But today India has much muslims. Pakistan is on brink to collapse to taliban . Why not these two states help each other. why not they make a single , great , secular nation where all religions can be honored ? -A puzzled european.( Yes , I believe in one europe!)
The whole Glacier should be under the control of India, We should take back the 1/3 glacier which in under control of Pakistan immediately. Only 3 to 4 day will take to throw Pakistan away for there posts.
pakis are cheater and they cheated indians through friendship and occupied the area of pok.they are the biggest cheaters in the world
R
Siachin
wra
India should never demilitarize Siachin till entire POK is not vocated by Pakistan. Pakis are professional cheaters, liers and cowards who never believe in fighting face to face rather prefer to stab in the back. Therefore, demilitarization of Saichin shoulld never happen.
siachen is the part of gilgit and gilgit is the part of pakistan ,,, and pakistan army is great ,, any country have no courage to attacks on pakistan, specially ….. i think u better know about this country which great enemy of pakistan..
PAKISTAN ZINDA BAD
Glacier is highest batte field on the earth. we for our brave soldier of indian army
Glacier is highest batte field on the earth.