During the question hour
India's Defense minister clearly told that Indian forces will not leave the Siachen glaciers because Pakistan cannot be trusted.
He also told that India
has been able to occupy the highest point in Siachen glaciers called Saltoro
Ridge which located 23,000 feet from the ground level.
Mr. Manohar Parrikar said
"If we vacate the position, the enemy can occupy the position and they would
have the strategic advantage. Then we would have to lose many more lives. We
know the experience of 1984 (Siachen conflict). I know we have to pay the price
and I salute our armed forces personnel, but we have to maintain this position.
We have to man the strategic position. The position is very important from the
strategic point. I don't think anyone in this House can take Pakistan's words
for granted."
Few weeks back our ten
soldiers were buried under the snow when they were posted in their camp in northern
part of the Siachen glaciers. And now this statement of the defense minister is
out in the question hour which seems to be suitable according to the need of
the situation.
He also explained that in
last 32 year we have lost 95 soldiers in Siachen which makes an average of 18
per year but it is also be noted that the average has come down to 10 per year
because of constant medical support given to the soldiers posted in Siachen
glaciers who needs six times more medical support and medical care than the
normal.
Also to support the
soldiers a total of 19 categories of clothing are provided to the soldiers in
addition to various other assistance like snow scooters.
He further confirmed that
there is no shortage of supplies to them and we can totally conquer nature.
In the question hour he
replied to one of the question and explained that according to the 7th pay commission
it recommended substantial increase in benefits of those serving in hostile
locations and the defense ministry will ensure that the defense personnel
working in these hostile locations are compensated properly.
