AMN /
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has dissmissed suggestions for withdrawal of troops from Siachen. Talking to media on the sidelines of an international maritime conference in Visakhapatnam yesterday, he said, the military presence in Siachen is in consonance with the country’s security needs.
Mr. Parrikar emphasized the need to understand the importance of troops deployment in spite of the hostile conditions. Referring to the death of ten soldiers in an avalanche on the Glacier last Wednesday, he said, there was no loose end which could have resulted in the death. He said it was nature’s show of strength and the Government can’t help it.
Throwing open a discussion on maritime challenges in the Conference, the Minister called for a new dispute resolution mechanism to avoid conflicts between sea faring nations. He said, in today’s world, the scenario is changing as more and more resources are being discovered deep in the sea. Mr. Parrikar also said, the original laws and treaties are not enough and countries need to find more ways to ensure the resolution of the issues.