Government’s move to open Siachen glacier to tourists is a welcome decision. The world’s coldest and highest battlefield is an area of immense contention between India and Pakistan on the issue of demarcation of the actual ground position line. Siachen keeps taking a toll on soldiers even without hostilities or exchange of fire, because of the inhospitable weather and treacherous terrain.

Yet the strategic advantage that India enjoys has meant that this is a sacrifice that the Army has been called on to perform year after year. Allowing tourists to visit the area will be an eyeopener to citizens on the extent to which the Indian nation goes to safeguard its borders from hostile neighbours. From keeping their bodies warm, heating food, avoiding frostbite and countless other health conditions and obstacles to performing daily routines, Siachen is soldiering’s ultimate frontier.

For Ladakh which has recently been hived out of Jammu & Kashmir, this is a potential boost to revenue earnings. Additionally, it also sends down the message to Pakistan that Siachen is like any other part of India and open to its citizens. Waste disposal and keeping Siachen litter free has been a challenge that the Army has taken up, and tourism must aim to uphold this principle.

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Courtesy: Times Of India: 22nd October, 2019