The Siachen Glacier has been a focal point of contention between India and Pakistan since 1984. Located in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, it is just northeast of Point NJ9842 where the Line of Control (LOC) between the two countries ends. This article delves into the history of this area, known as 5Q 131 05 084 in Geological Survey of India (GSI) terms, and how it became a disputed territory.
The Boundary: NJ 9842 and Karachi Ceasefire Agreement
NJ 9842 is a significant point of reference in the ongoing dispute as it represents the last mutually demarcated point between India and Pakistan. This boundary was established under the Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949, which also marked the end of the LOC according to the Simla Agreement.
GSI Survey of Siachen Glacier
The first GSI survey of the Siachen Glacier was conducted in June 1958 by Assistant Geologist V. K. Raina. Intended to study the Himalayan glacier systems for the International Geophysical Year activities, the study involved months of camping at the base of the glacier, establishing survey points, and conducting various studies. No protests or objections were raised by Pakistan during this exploration.
The Significance of the GSI Survey for India
This survey is of extraordinary value to India as it marks the official Indian exploration of the Siachen Glacier. The area was peaceful at the time, but eventually turned into a conflict zone when India launched Operation Meghdoot in 1984 to secure its presence in the region. The survey offers historical proof of India’s early knowledge and engagement with the glacier, countering any claims of Pakistani control.
Pakistan’s Claims and Actions
Pakistan did not voice any objections to the Indian presence on the glacier during the GSI survey in 1958. However, things changed in August 1983 when Pakistan unilaterally extended the LOC from NJ 9842 to the Karakoram Pass, challenging the status quo. This led to India’s pre-emptive occupation of the strategic Saltoro Heights in April 1984. Since then, Pakistan has been making claims based on differing interpretations of the Karachi ceasefire agreement and the Simla Agreement.
About the Siachen Glacier
The Siachen Glacier stretches from northwest to southeast, beginning at the base of the Indira Col West, a low point on the Indira Ridge, at an altitude of 6,115 metres, and descends to an altitude of 3,570 metres. It is the second-longest glacier in the world’s non-polar areas, surpassed only by Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan. The Nubra river originates from this glacier, located in the heavily glaciated Karakoram region, often referred to as the “Third Pole”. Since 1984, all major passes of the Siachen Glacier have been under Indian administration, making it the world’s highest battlefield.
Siachen Glacier in UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the Civil Services Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 2020, a question about the location of the Siachen Glacier was asked. The question read, “Siachen Glacier is situated to the (2020) (a) East of Aksai Chin (b) East of Leh(c) North of Gilgit (d) North of Nubra Valley”. The correct answer to the question is (d): North of Nubra Valley.