The Hindu : Front Page : Make Siachen a peace mountain: Manmohan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 13, 2005

Front Page

Front Page

Make Siachen a peace mountain: Manmohan

Shujaat Bukhari

"Existing boundaries cannot be changed because these are for our protection"

SHOWING SOLIDARITY: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by Army Chief General J.J. Singh, greets a soldier at the Army's Siachen Glacier Camp on Sunday. — Photo: AP

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday suggested that the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, be converted into a "peace mountain." But he asserted that there could be "no redrawing of boundaries," saying that these were related to "our protection and prestige."

Addressing Army jawans at the Siachen base camp in the Ladakh region of Kashmir, Dr. Singh lauded them for their courage and dedication in serving the country. "Siachen is called the highest battlefield, where living is very difficult. Now the time has come that we make efforts that this is converted from a point of conflict to the symbol of peace."

Talks with Pakistan

Talks were on with Pakistan in this regard. The objective of these talks, he said, was to ensure that both countries lived in peace and "patriots like you also live and serve in peace."

"In these talks your well-being and the security of our nation would be kept in mind," Dr. Singh told the jawans. Efforts should be made to create such an atmosphere of peace wherein "nobody fears any threat, there is no scope for any conflict and this place becomes an example of a peaceful environment."

However, there was no question of "redrawing the borders. In search of peace, existing boundaries cannot be changed because these are for our protection and are related to our honour."

Praise for jawans

The Prime Minister was all praise for the soldiers. "Words fail to express gratitude to you for the service you are doing for the nation at this most inhospitable place. I want to extend to you the gratitude of a nation. Nothing survives here, yet you serve." No effort would be spared to meet their requirements. He announced that two home theatres and a CT scan would soon be provided in Siachen.

On his arrival, Dr. Singh was briefed by senior Army officers about the situation prevailing in the area.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. J.J. Singh, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. M. Naidu.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page