India cannot risk dis-engagement from Siachen

New Delhi, May 23: India cannot risk dis-engagement from Siachen, particularly the Saltoro Ridge, unless there is authentication by Pakistan also of the Actual Ground Line Position (AGPL) and well laid out procedures for monitoring.

Official sources said here today that if Indian troops withdrew from the icy battlefield, ''ease of access'' to the areas vacated, would also have to be considered.

As the two countries concluded their first days of discussions on demilitarisation of Siachen here today, the sources said India would have to explore the possibility of moving forward on mutual monitoring.

''My sense is that we still have to work out procedures for authentication. We are looking at how we can handle the issue. It will not be possible for us to risk disengagement, particularly from the Saltoro Ridge, unless we have authentication. This has to be mutual, very effective and very comprehensive,'' they said.

The sources said that in case India decided to withdraw, it would have to consider the ease of access to the areas vacated.

Pakistan has easier access to the areas it would vacate than India to the areas under its control, the sources added.

UNI

Related Stories