India won't vacate Siachen glaciers: Parrikar

February 26, 2016 14:16

India will not vacate the Siachen glaciers as Pakistan cannot be trusted and it may occupy the strategic location once it is vacated, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said today.

India occupies the highest point in Siachen glaciers, the Saltoro Ridge which is located at 23,000 feet, he said.

"If we vacate the position, the enemy can occupy the position and they would have the strategic advantage. Then we would have to lose many more lives. We know the experience of 1984 (Siachen conflict).

"I know we have to pay the price and I salute our armed forces personnel, but we have to maintain this position. We have to man the strategic position. The position is very important from the strategic point. I don't think anyone in this House can take Pakistan's words for granted," Parrikar said during Question Hour.

The statement comes few weeks after ten soldiers were buried alive under snow after their camp in the northern part of the Siachen glacier was hit by a major avalanche on February 3.

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