World Affairs Board - View Single Post

Ray · 04-08-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Saturday, April 08, 2006 E-Mail this article to a friend Printer Friendly Version

India may pull out from Siachen

* Withdrawal likely to top Singh’s agenda during visit to Pakistan in August

NEW DELHI: The government of the United Progressive Alliance appears to have buckled under US pressure and the persistent demands of Pakistan to completely withdraw its 4,000 troops from Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world, Indian newspaper The Pioneer reported on Friday.

The paper reported that following a secret meeting between Indian National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Dubai in the last week of February, India has agreed in principle to the phased withdrawal of the Indian Army from its positions. Narayanan is believed to have discussed the matter with Aziz and also conveyed the seriousness of the Indian government on the issue. Government sources told the paper that the finer points of this highly contentious issue would be discussed in the next round of defence secretary level talk between the two countries scheduled for the first week of May. “If all goes well, the agreement could be inked by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he visits Pakistan in August this year,” the paper reported.

It said that while the details of Singh’s visit were being worked out, the withdrawal of the Indian army from Siachen would certainly top the agenda. It said that although the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence were not in complete agreement, “they will be forced to fall in line once the government decides to go ahead with its demilitarisation plan”.

Pakistan has been demanding the total withdrawal of the Indian troops from Siachen since former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi ordered the deployment in April 1984. Pakistan has been asking India to withdraw its army from Saltoro Hills of NJ-9842 mountain peak. The strategic importance of Saltoro Hills can be gauged from the fact that it takes only four days to enter into Indian territory from Pakistan’s side despite a maze of extremely narrow routes. The paper reported that in the event of Indian troops pulling out of Saltoro Hills, Pakistan would be able to straighten the passage between Azad Kashmir and Aksai Chin. SANA

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...8-4-2006_pg1_2

I don't think Manmohan wants to commit a political suicide.

At least, Sonia Gandhi, who has played the martyr so well, would not allow that her efforts to win the Indian electorate goes in vain.

Pullout from Siachen is presenting Indian into BJP's lap!

Therefore, if Manmohan does something, it will be a well thought out action, and unlike Pakistan, India has not been bending over backwards at the US bidding!

This article has gone overboard like a drowning man clutching at straws!

If Soltoro is strategic, would India just vacate to help Pakistan straighten its road? Childish and naiive.