SKS
2005-06-12 22:22:32 UTC
Date:13/06/2005 URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/13/stories/2005061307000100.htm
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Front Page
Make Siachen a peace mountain: Manmohan
Shujaat Bukhari
"Existing boundaries cannot be changed because these are for our
protection"
SHOWING SOLIDARITY: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by Army
Chief General J.J. Singh, greets a soldier at the Army's Siachen Glacier
Camp on Sunday. - Photo: AP
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday suggested that the
Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, be converted into a "peace
mountain." But he asserted that there could be "no redrawing of boundaries,"
saying that these were related to "our protection and prestige."
Addressing Army jawans at the Siachen base camp in the Ladakh region
of Kashmir, Dr. Singh lauded them for their courage and dedication in
serving the country. "Siachen is called the highest battlefield, where
living is very difficult. Now the time has come that we make efforts that
this is converted from a point of conflict to the symbol of peace."
Talks with Pakistan
Talks were on with Pakistan in this regard. The objective of these
talks, he said, was to ensure that both countries lived in peace and
"patriots like you also live and serve in peace."
"In these talks your well-being and the security of our nation would
be kept in mind," Dr. Singh told the jawans. Efforts should be made to
create such an atmosphere of peace wherein "nobody fears any threat, there
is no scope for any conflict and this place becomes an example of a peaceful
environment."
However, there was no question of "redrawing the borders. In search of
peace, existing boundaries cannot be changed because these are for our
protection and are related to our honour."
Praise for jawans
The Prime Minister was all praise for the soldiers. "Words fail to
express gratitude to you for the service you are doing for the nation at
this most inhospitable place. I want to extend to you the gratitude of a
nation. Nothing survives here, yet you serve." No effort would be spared to
meet their requirements. He announced that two home theatres and a CT scan
would soon be provided in Siachen.
On his arrival, Dr. Singh was briefed by senior Army officers about
the situation prevailing in the area.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff,
Gen. J.J. Singh, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. M. Naidu.
© Copyright 2000 - 2005 The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/13/stories/2005061307000100.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Front Page
Make Siachen a peace mountain: Manmohan
Shujaat Bukhari
"Existing boundaries cannot be changed because these are for our
protection"
SHOWING SOLIDARITY: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, flanked by Army
Chief General J.J. Singh, greets a soldier at the Army's Siachen Glacier
Camp on Sunday. - Photo: AP
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday suggested that the
Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, be converted into a "peace
mountain." But he asserted that there could be "no redrawing of boundaries,"
saying that these were related to "our protection and prestige."
Addressing Army jawans at the Siachen base camp in the Ladakh region
of Kashmir, Dr. Singh lauded them for their courage and dedication in
serving the country. "Siachen is called the highest battlefield, where
living is very difficult. Now the time has come that we make efforts that
this is converted from a point of conflict to the symbol of peace."
Talks with Pakistan
Talks were on with Pakistan in this regard. The objective of these
talks, he said, was to ensure that both countries lived in peace and
"patriots like you also live and serve in peace."
"In these talks your well-being and the security of our nation would
be kept in mind," Dr. Singh told the jawans. Efforts should be made to
create such an atmosphere of peace wherein "nobody fears any threat, there
is no scope for any conflict and this place becomes an example of a peaceful
environment."
However, there was no question of "redrawing the borders. In search of
peace, existing boundaries cannot be changed because these are for our
protection and are related to our honour."
Praise for jawans
The Prime Minister was all praise for the soldiers. "Words fail to
express gratitude to you for the service you are doing for the nation at
this most inhospitable place. I want to extend to you the gratitude of a
nation. Nothing survives here, yet you serve." No effort would be spared to
meet their requirements. He announced that two home theatres and a CT scan
would soon be provided in Siachen.
On his arrival, Dr. Singh was briefed by senior Army officers about
the situation prevailing in the area.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff,
Gen. J.J. Singh, the Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. M. Naidu.
© Copyright 2000 - 2005 The Hindu