Daily Times

Sir: Snow-capped mountains, freezing temperature, thin air, deadly crevasses, piercing, screaming blizzards, deadly avalanches and dozens of other glacial features; this is Siachen glacier, which is rightly called the Roof of the World. The 75 Km long glacier, located in the disputed Kashmir territory, is an awe-inspiring marvel of nature. Its scenic beauty is beyond description in words. The impression of this enchanting place is affected by the fact that it is the highest battlefield in the world, a consequence of Indian adventurism in 1984 through Operation Meghdoot. That action violently shook the peace of the glacier and its whirls are felt until now, 28 years later. The once quiet region has ever since been inhabited by troops deployed by both Pakistan and India. In retaliation for the Indian aggression, Pakistan had no other reasonable option than to send its troops into the area as well.

It is said that a soldier at Siachen has to combat two adversaries — the enemy forces and poor weather. This is the reality. Numerous casualties occur on both sides due to hostile weather. Frostbite and pulmonary oedema are common. Some accidently fall into crevasses and avalanches are common occurrences.

At 6:00 am, April 6, 2012 a tragic event occurred in the Giyari sector of Siachen. An avalanche struck the battalion headquarters of the area, burying 139 Pakistanis including 11 civilians. This calamity is terrible and has deeply saddened the entire country. Not just the families of the men hit by the avalanche are grieving, the whole nation feels the pain and is sorrowed by the tragedy. We must not forget the sacrifice of these men because people who forget their heroes fade into oblivion themselves. History rubs them off its pages.

Being frequently away from one’s family is not an easy matter but soldiers get used to it. They have dedicated their lives to serve the country to the best of their abilities. Whenever the nation calls the army for help in case of a natural disaster, it has answered wholeheartedly and helped enthusiastically its fellow citizens.

It seems that specific segments of the media consider it their duty to foster poor sentiments against the army. This attitude needs to be changed because it is completely unfair. It is not right to blame the entire organisation due to grudges against some of its generals. Soldiers are the brave men who have the training and skill to go where no one goes. They defend their motherland anytime, anywhere. They are ever vigilant and sometimes pay the ultimate cost for safeguarding Pakistan.

Our army’s professional capability is beyond questioning, but at times, its reputation has been stained owing to the inept strategies of the decision makers. An ordinary soldier has nothing to do with policies. All he knows is that he sincerely and devotionally protects the country, even if he has to live on the roof of the world to do that.

SHAHEER ULLAH KHAN

Via e-mail