''Centre should take opposition into confidence on Siachen issue''

Shimla, Apr 27 (UNI) The BJP today asked the Centre to take the opposition into confidence before taking any decision on the demilitarisation of Siachen Glacier, saying the exercise could imperil the security of the nation.

''The Centre should act more responsibly before taking any decision of strategic importance,'' party president Rajnath Singh told reporters here after the arrival of the ''Bharat Surakhsa Yatra'' here in the state.

Army Chief J J Singh and various other strategic experts have already warned against withdrawal of troops from Siachen in the absence of credible guarantees from the neighbouring country.

Asserting that Pakistan had a dubious track record on adhering to its earlier agreements, Mr Singh said, ''No hasty decisions were required and the issue should be deliberated upon with all the concerned parties before arriving at a decision.'' The decision could adversely affect our strategic interests and therefore, the need to discuss it throughly before being the demilitarisation of the Glacier, he said.

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