Defence Secretary's Statement on Indo-Pak talks on Siachen Area
As part of the composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan, discussions were held on Siachen area in Delhi on November 6, 1998. The composite dialogue, process is directed at improving relations between the two countries across a broad front, building confidence and trust, putting in place a stable structure of cooperation and addressing all outstanding issues.
The Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir, demarcated following the Simla Agreement, extends up to point NJ 9842. The areas North and East of NJ 9842 have always been under our administrative control and our troops were located at Daulat Beg Oldi, Sasoma and Zingrulma. Siachen area and area up to Karamoram pass was patrolled regularly since 1950s.
Pakistan deliberately encouraged activities such as granting illegal permission to
mountaineering expeditions. Further Pakistani maps surfaced with the unacceptable
arbitrary line from the grid reference NJ 9842 to the Karakoram Pass without any basis in
law, tradition or fact. By late 1983, Pakistan had flown air photo missions, acquired
special snow clothing and had plans to induct specially trained and equipped forces for
the military occupation of the Siachen area. Under these circumstances, India had, by
1984, no option but to secure its position in an area historically under its control in a
state that in its entirety is its integral part.
Pakistan has not been willing to accept India's legitimate presence in a part of its own
territory. It, therefore, began hostilities against Indian posts in the Siachen area which
have continued unabated. Pakistani troops have made repeated attempts to dislodge Indian
troops their positions. These attempts have all along been repulsed. It is noteworthy that
Pakistani provocative actions in the Siachen area have been particularly marked since
September this year. Even as our delegations were engaged in the opening round of the
composite dialogue in Islamabad last month, Pakistani forces made an attempt to capture
one of our posts in the area.
The Indian approach during the recently concluded discussions on Siachen has been
characterised by its earnest desire to have peace and tranquility in the Siachen area and
to put an end to the hostilities. With the above in mind, we have proposed an agreement on
ceasing fire in Siachen. Such a step, in our view, would immediately defuse tension and
the atmosphere of confrontation in the area. We have also proposed additional steps such
as discussions of the modalities of implementation of the cease-fire and authentication of
the existing ground position in the area so as to ensure an effective implementation of
the cease-fire. After these essential steps, discussions could take place on other aspects
of the issue such as disengagement/redeployment.