Northern Army commander visits Siachen Glacier

Northern Army commander Lt General Ranbir Singh on Tuesday visited forward posts at the Siachen glacier, the world's highest battlefield, and reviewed the operational preparedness.

A Defence Ministry statement said that he was accompanied by Lt Gen Y.K. Joshi, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps.

Indian and Pakistani armies have clashed over the control of Siachen glacier since 1984. But more soldiers have fallen victims to the vagaries of nature than actual fighting.

"Lt Gen Ranbir Singh interacted with troops at the forward posts and complimented them for their high morale.

"He appreciated the tenacity and high standard of professionalism displayed by all ranks of 'Siachen Warriors' Brigade, despite the extreme challenges posed by the highest battlefield in the world.

"He urged them to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism of the Indian Army," the statement added.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh also paid homage to the martyrs of Operation MEGHDOOT at the Siachen War Memorial.

Situated in the Karakoram mountain range at an elevation of 5,400 metres, Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield where even bare survival in an extremely hostile environment is regarded as a feat of valour and bravery.

The average winter snowfall in Siachen glacier is 35 feet while the temperature drops to minus 50 degrees Celsius.

--IANS

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