Won’t Withdraw Siachen Troops as Pakistan Suggests: Indian Army

The Indian Army has rejected the idea of demilitarising Siachen after soldier deaths, as suggested by Abdul Basit.

Specialised rescue teams carrying out search operations for soldiers hit by an avalanche on 3 February in Siachen. (Photo: PTI)

The Indian Army will not withdraw its troops from Siachen until its position in the region is authenticated, the Commander-in-Chief of Northern Command, Lieutenant General DS Hooda told the Indian Express on Friday.

Also read: No More Lives Should be Lost in Siachen: Pak High Commissioner

The statement was made in response to the suggestion made by Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India, following the deaths of 10 Indian soldiers in an avalanche that hit their Siachen base on 3 February.

No question of troops withdrawal from Siachen as proposed by Pakistan unless Indian position on ground is authenticated. Our stand in this context is very clear that if we have to begin talks for withdrawal, our actual position on ground, where Indian Army is positioned, should be authenticated first and that should be agreeable to both the sides. 

<b><a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/siachen-pakistan-siachen-avalanche-army/">Lieutenant General DS Hooda, General Officer Commanding-in Chief, Northern Command to <i>The Indian Express</i></a></b>

Also read: In Pictures: Martyrs of Siachen, Rest In Peace

Both Pakistan and India mutually agreed to withdraw from Siachen. We need to ensure that more lives are not lost due to harsh weather conditions in Siachen.&nbsp;

<b> Abdul Basit, Pakistan High Commissioner to India</b>

Basit also recalled the mutual understanding between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif during the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to withdraw troops from Siachen.

(With agency inputs)