News
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Pak-India talks on Siachen to continue: Antony* Indian minister says 846 soldiers killed on glacier since 1984
NEW DELHI: Pakistan and India have agreed to continue the dialogue on Siachen for early resolution of outstanding issues, and have reaffirmed the resolve to make serious, sustained and result-oriented efforts to seek an amicable solution, the Lok Sabha was informed Monday.
In a written reply to the House, Defence Minister AK Antony also said that since 1984, a total of 846 soldiers have lost their lives on Siachen Glacier.
“During the 13th round of talks between the defence secretaries of India and Pakistan held in Pakistan on June 11-12, both delegations reaffirmed their resolve to make serious efforts for seeking an amicable resolution of Siachen,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
It was agreed to continue the dialogue on Siachen in keeping with the desire of the leaders of both the countries for early resolution of all outstanding issues, Antony added.
On resolution of Sir Creek issue with Pakistan, he said the meeting between the surveyor generals of the two countries was held on June 18-19.
“The two sides discussed the land boundary in the Sir Creek area and also delimitation of international maritime boundary between India and Pakistan. They reiterated their desire to find an amicable solution of the Sir Creek issue through sustained and result-oriented dialogue,” he said. “The composite package of welfare for soldiers deployed in Siachen, comprises of Siachen allowance, provision of separated family accommodation anywhere in India, free warrant to travel to hometown twice a year, special ration and evacuation by helicopter during medical emergencies,” he said. online
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk