Siachen Glacier – The Battle of Roses

Siachen Glacier: The Battle of Roses
SIACHEN, the longest glacier in the world outside the polar regions, is a virtual high altitude paradise. Roses are found on the glacier giving its name- Sia, the rose. However for the past 26 years it has seen bloody warfare on its heights. Indian and Pakistan armies have been battling it out for its control, paying a heavy price in terms of human lives, financial resources and environmental devastation. The glacier, being part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir has defied all attempts at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.

The Shimla Agreement of 1972, marked the Line of Control till a point, known as NJ9842. And it mentioned that the border ahead shall follow ‘thence north to the glaciers’, the ill-fated five words. Pakistan sponsored foreign mountaineering expeditions to the glacier. To prevent occupation by Pakistan, the Indian army landed on the glacier on 13th April 1984. This was the start of the conflict.

The book narrates the history of exploration of the Siachen, the political developments, stories of battles, state of the environment and plight of soldiers living at heights above 20,000 ft where temperatures drops to -40 degrees in winter. During his several visits to the Siachen glacier for climbing peaks and exploring different valleys, the author had the opportunity to interact with simple soldiers, officers and local people, and witness the conflict first hand. He speaks of those encounters too.

The War of Roses, between two neighbours locked in a long lasting violent conflict with constant one-upmanship has led to unprecedented destruction of the finest mountain area. The book offers a suggestion to establish the ‘Siachen Peace Park’ to end this war and allow Nature to regenerate.