Learn how did India capture the Siachen glacier?

The word ‘Siachen’ means ‘place of wild roses‘. Some people consider the reason for this name as a wild flower found in the Himalayan valleys, while some people consider “thorny wild plants” found on the hills of the Himalayas for this name.

Where is the Siachen Glacier?

The Siachen glacier is known as the highest battlefield in the world. Siachen Glacier; Located in Eastern Karakoram / Himalaya, Its position is located near Indo-Pak Line of Control: approximately 76.9 ° East, Latitude: 35.5 ° North. The area of ​​Siachen Glacier is approximately 78 km. Siachen is the largest and the second largest glacier in the world in Karakoram’s five largest glaciers.

Indo-Pak Siachin controversy

On average, the Siachen Glacier at the height of 17770 feet above sea level is Pakistan’s border on one side, on the other hand China’s border “Aksai Chin” is in this area. It is very important for India to deploy its troops in this area to monitor these two countries. Before 1984 this place was neither the presence of India nor the army of Pakistan.

In the Shimla Agreement of 1972, the Siachen area was termed as lifeless and barren. But this agreement did not determine the boundary between the two countries. Even in this situation, Pakistan had allowed mountaineering campaigns on this glacier since the early 1970s to confirm that Pakistan occupies this place.

This move of Pakistan could not move much and in 1978, India came to know about it. In the same year, while deciding counter attack under the leadership of Colonel Narendra or “Bull” Kumar of the Indian Army, TERAM Kangri launched an army campaign for the peaks. The first news about this was published in Calcutta in 1982.

India got intelligence around 1984 that Pakistan has been making “special type of” hot suit “from any London company to occupy Siachen Glacier, but India, due to its efficiency and readiness, Make it before

India got intelligence that Pakistan is planning to capture the glacier by April 17, but the Indian Army had planned to capture Glacier 4 days before Pakistan, ie 13 April 1984.

The first phase of operation began in March 1984 with the walking march for the Eastern Base of Glacier. A full battalion of the Kumaon regiment and units of Ladakh Scouts, along with war material, increased through Siocin of Józila Pass. Lieutenant-Colonel D.K. In Khanna’s command, units of soldiers went on foot in several kilometers of snow to avoid Pakistani radars.

On April 13, 1984, the Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army and “Operation Meghdoot” (taken from Meghdootam by Kalidas) was carried out by Indian Air Force for the final battle of Siachen capture. Operation Meghdoot was led by Lieutenant General Prem Nath Hun.

Pakistan also got the news of this operation of India, it also responded on April 25, 1984.

The Pakistan army also tried to climb this place on April 25, 1984 but had to return due to poor weather and without preparation. But finally, on June 25, 1987, Pakistan had succeeded in creating a post called Quaid Post, at 21,000 feet, because the ammunition was over by the Indian army, The soldiers were unable to stop.

Both countries wanted to reach a high place on Siachen Glacier. In this same case, India was captured on the “Sia La and Bilfond La” passes, while Pakistan succeeded in capturing the Gyong La pass.
siachen location

Since India’s army had already occupied it here, it is currently occupied by Pakistan on the upper part of the glacier and India at the lower part. India is sitting in a profitable position here.
After this fight, the two countries made many efforts to remove each other but did not get success.

It is worth noting that if the Pakistan army got this suit first, then the Pakistan army would have reached this place first.

In 2003, there was an armistice treaty between India and Pakistan. Since that time firing and firefighting has ceased in this area but the army on both sides is stationed. In Siachen, 10 thousand soldiers of India are deployed and their maintenance costs Rs 5 crore per day.

Current situation in Siachen?

The present situation is that the Indian army has occupied two-thirds of the Siachen glacier and captured two main peaks suitable for battle, including the motorable pass, “Khardungala“. In occupation of Pakistan, Gyeong La Pass which can control access to Shayak and Nubra river valley and Leh district of India.
Overall, the situation is such that Pakistan can not rise above this Siachen Glacier, while India can not come downwards.

India has created a helipad named “Sonam” on this glacier which is the world’s tallest helipad due to being located 21,000 feet above sea level. On this helipad, logistics material is provided to the soldiers with helicopter support.

On June 12, 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the Glacier for peaceful resolution of this issue.