In a recent press conference, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt. Gen. F.S. Hooda made some important review related to security scenario in J&K State. As we know, Siachen has been very much in the news because of the tragedy that overtook ten soldiers of Indian army when they got buried under a massive snow avalanche. This is not the first time that the deadly avalanche has taken precious lives. On the other side, last year Pakistan lost about 140 soldiers in these Himalayan heights who got buried under a huge avalanche. In this background Pakistani authorities proposed demilitarization of Siachen arguing that the precious lives of soldiers are lost so tragically. General Hooda has not agreed to demilitarization saying this is not the time for demilitarization of Siachen Glacier. He reiterated that the Army is duty bound to defend the northern border of the country and the tragedy of the death of ten of its soldiers cannot deflate the policy of the Government. The General’s contention is that demilitarization has pre-conditions which Pakistan will have to accept if the two armies agree to demilitarize Siachen Glacier.
It needs to be reminded that Pakistan has been desperately trying to take up the Siachen Glacier separately from Kashmir talks and proposes its demilitarization. India has always taken the stand that demilitarization of the nineteen thousand feet above sea level battlefield of Siachen should be demilitarized to save the enormous expenditures and the precious lives of the soldiers, but this cannot be done in a huff. First of all there has to be demarcation of the respective positions duly authenticated and then there has to be dependable guarantee that no unilateral action will be taken towards re-militarization of the vacated positions. It should be clear that in 1984 Pakistan had violated the 1948 cease fire agreement and the Shimla Agreement, and occupied by stealth some heights on the Glacier and established posts there from which she could monitor the entire area and the movements of Indian troops. In a heroic bid Indian Army lifted a platoon and occupied the 19000 feet above sea level present position overlooking Pakistani post and neutralizing Pakistan’s advantageous position. Pakistan made several attempt to dislodge India from Siachen but without success. After throwing the Shimla Agreement to winds and also after Kargil fighting, Indian Army is not at all prepared to take any risk and, therefore, would not vacate Siachen Glacier post. The General made it clear that India is determined to hold on to the post notwithstanding the harshest climatic conditions and deadly blizzards in which soldiers have to guard the northern frontier of the country. The General said that the tragedy that struck ten soldiers is deep and the scars are there but that will not deter India from continuing to guard the border.
Referring to militancy scenario in the Valley, the General is of opinion that it has come down considerably. Most of the militant commanders have been liquidated and there could be at the most about 200 to 300 militants still over ground in Kashmir. Recent talks between commanders of India and Pakistan to put an end to cross border firing has stabilized.
Talking about the youth recruited by militants, the General said that the Army takes a broader view of youth in the Valley joining militancy. He said that those of them who had given up the gun, and there are many of them, will be supported by the Army in their return to the mainstream. He said that the Army has the programme of supporting them in their educational pursuits and make contribution in their rehabilitation.
The General touched upon a number of things that sound positive. For example, the case of enhanced allowances for the soldiers deployed in Siachen area has been taken up by the Government. The General cleared one misunderstanding among the media persons. He was asked if there was variance between the Army and the Government on the issue of demilitarization of Siachen and other matters. The General emphatically rubbished any such doubts ands said there was complete agreement between the two of the issue. He further explained that in such crucial matters many Ministries and State organizations are involved and taken on board. Till date the policy was clearly set forth by the Government and the army in full agreement with it. The Commander of the Northern Command has set at rest speculations and surmises lavishly entertained by sections of media that could be misleading. Pakistan has to be clear whether it wants.
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