Siachen Glacier: The Battle of Roses

For 25 years, several thousand troops from the armies of India and Pakistan have faced each other in an undeclared war in the vast expanse of the Siachen glacier. Siachen is the world’s longest non-polar glacier. This uninhabited area did not feature in the negotiations between India and Pakistan after the wars fought by them in 1949 (Ceasefire Line), 1965 (Tashkent Agreement), and 1972 (Shimla Agreement and the Line of Control). In 1984, Pakistan authorised a Japanese expedition to the Rimo peaks via the Siachen glacier, sending their own soldiers alongside. India impeded this expedition, and in April 1984, sent troops to establish and maintain control of the area. Thus began the long-standing conflict in the icy recesses of the Himalayas. The Indian base camp is situated at 12,000 ft with outposts as high as 22,000 ft.
This is based on Kapadia’s seven trips to the glacier during which he interacted with many people who are irrevocably involved in the conflict. It is the personal narrative of a passionate explorer that presents an all encompassing view of the stark region. Kapadia delves into the intricacies of geo-politics and war, raises environmental concerns and also presents a much needed blueprint for conflict resolution. One of the appendices details the exploration and climbing history of the region.