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Siachen will remain tense, but won't trigger off war: Fernandes

Defence Minister George Fernandes has ruled out the demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier area in the near future, and said Pakistan is not 'serious' about settling its disputes with India.

He did not foresee the possibility of any de-escalation of tension in the glacier region.

However, Fernandes categorically stated that the prevailing situation would not lead to a full-scale war.

Fernandes was speaking on Wednesday night to journalists at the 18,380 feet Khardungla pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. He was on his way back after a two-day visit to the Siachen glacier. This was Fernandes' third visit to the glacier after assuming charge as defence minister barely five months ago.

''It is all a question of confidence that both sides will observe the agreement in letter and spirit. But at this point of time de-escalation seems most unlikely,'' he observed.

Asked who was responsible for the prevailing situation in the glacier region the defence minister said, ''It takes two to settle a dispute or get it going, but certainly Pakistan is not serious towards any settlement. We have not progressed one inch in spite of the best efforts on our part and talks at all possible levels, including the heads of government-level.''

The defence minister also announced the building of a road to connect various Indian army posts on the glacier.

When pointed out that the construction of such a road may involve huge expenditure, Fernandes justified it on the ground that it would be a one-time spending.

He rejected the suggestion that the government should increase the troops in the region. ''They are sufficient,'' the defence minister stated categorically.

He, however, conceded that more sophisticated equipment were needed. He had already convened a meeting for the purpose. The army, he revealed, had requested the ministry for gun locating radars and heating systems, among other things.

Addressing troops of the Assam regiment, who have just been posted out from the glacier, Fernandes said people, right from the top level to the common man, did not have an understanding of defence issues.

The minister said it was the paramount duty of the people to understand the kind of situation being faced by the troops and the sub-human conditions they were living in at Siachen.

Soon after assuming charge, Fernandes had announced a special allowance of Rs 7,000 per month for officers and Rs 4,667 for others posted in Siachen.

UNI

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