Though the government of India is under tremendous pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party to think carefully and secure national interests before ordering any troop withdrawal from the Siachen glacier, it has found unexpected support from the Communist Party of India, which has been lambasting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government on various economic issues for toeing US guidelines.
Speaking to rediff.com, CPI leader D Raja said that the costs of maintaining troops in Siachen is too high and hence, the government must and should withdraw the army from the highest glaicer of the world. "What is the cost of maintaining troops on the glacier, you tell me?" Raja asked this correspondent instead of giving a straightforward answer to the question.
Clearly, CPI has economy in mind while deciding such issues.
BJP president Lal Kishenchand Advani, however, favours a well thought out decision on this crucial matter before signing any agreement on troop withdrawal from Siachen. "The government must keep all aspects in mind while taking a decision," he said.
Earlier, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee had said India and Pakistan had agreed to withdraw troops from their present positions in Siachen glacier.