“It is very important and we must continue to hold that area and we have held that view always…. We have lost our lives and lot of blood has been shed to get into these areas and occupy the heights and positions.
“These positions are of strategic importance and we have given our concerns to the Government and now it is for the Government to decide,” Gen Singh said.
General Singh’s statement comes in the backdrop of Pakistan pushing for demilitarisation of Siachen, however India has maintained that this cannot take place without proper authentication by both sides of the present troop positions on the Glacier. On the presence of Chinese troops in PoK, Gen Singh said, the matter has already been conveyed to the Government and whatever is there, the country’s frontiers are guarded well. India has already expressed concern to China over the presence of its troops in the territory, which forms part of undivided Jammu and Kashmir.
The Army chief also gave hints at the partial removal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Jammu and Kashmir while maintaining that a final call will have to be taken by the Government.
Interacting with media-persons here on Wednesday, he said that it is a sensitive matter as the issue is related to internal security in the Valley and violence parameters. “We have given our assessment to the Government. It is up to them now to decide,” he said.
Significantly, he confirmed the presence of Chinese soldiers in Pakistan administered Kashmir to provide security to the country’s ongoing infrastructural projects in the region.
“We are told that Chinese soldiers are there to provide protection to their ongoing projects related to their railways, road and hydro-electric projects and it is basically for security purposes,” he said.