The Siachen tragedy that struck our 128 gallant soldiers and 11 civilians on April 7, 2012 has no parallel in the history of Siachen. The avalanche that took in its fold hundreds of innocent souls has left innumerable women widowed, and made hundreds of children orphans.
Our valiant soldiers have been courageously guarding the frontiers of their beloved country, at a 17,000 feet high peak close to four of the worlds 14 peaks over 8,000 meters – K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum 1 and 2, since the early 80’s.
Totally oblivious of the dangers their lives are exposed to, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, they stand steadfast in their mission to guard the frontiers of their country at Siachen. On the fateful night of Saturday, April 7, 2012, when the treacherous 80 feet high and a kilometre long avalanche (snow slide) that mercilessly came down on their campsite, without any prior warning, most of them were in deep slumber. Even those who may have been on the vigil may not have been spared.
What a catastrophe this whole tragic incident is. It has brought a wave of shock and grief not only to the immediate families and the kith and kin of those who have lost their lives in the tragedy, but also to the Pakistani nation and the entire world community.
A question that, however, arises is: Has the incident made any impact on the two parties involved in the Siachen conflict? Are they now convinced that their obstinacy, vis-à-vis the Siachen situation, has cost and is costing them heavily: both in terms of valuable human lives as well as monetarily?
According to figures quoted in a cross section of the Pakistan media, Pakistan is spending approximately Rs 15 million per day to maintain its forces at Siachen. At Rs 50 million per day, India is spending approximately three and half times more than what Pakistan is spending. Is this all justifiable? No, it is not. Particularly, when seen in the background of abject poverty that persistently haunts a large segment of its populace, neither Pakistan nor India could ever justify such wasteful expenditure.
More importantly, the human lives that are being lost and massive disabilities that are being caused to the forces of both countries by unsafe weather conditions should be a matter of immense concern for both. Whatever has happened at Siachen during the past almost three decades and the recent tragedy that occurred on the fateful night of April 7 should be an eye opener for both countries.
For the sake of humanity and in the larger interest of the people of the two countries, it is sincerely desired that reasonable elements at the helm in India and Pakistan should immediately come to the negotiating table and amicably resolve the Siachen conflict, once and for all.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad