After Pakistan, it’s now the turn of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen to oppose the opening of Siachen glacier for tourists. The militant outfit has termed it as India’s attempt to strengthen its position in the “disputed region”. Last Monday, Pakistan too had raised its objections for the opening of the Siachen glacier to tourists by the Army.

“For 37 years, the snowy region remained part of Pakistan, but India occupied it in 1984. India and Pakistan held many rounds of dialogue to resolve the dispute in Siachen. But, the process reached nowhere,” said Hizbul Mujahideen spokesman Junaid- ul-Islam, adding “The opening of Siachen to tourists is India’s ploy to claim its right on the disputed territory.”

“Even after genuine objections from Pakistan, India has opened up the world’s highest battle ground to tourism- related activities. This shows the sincerity of the Indian Government towards resolving disputed issues through dialogue,” the spokesman said.

The Hizbul spokesman said the issue has exposed India’s sincerity. “It has vindicated our apprehensions that under the garb of dialogue, the Indian Government is trying to divert attention from core issues.”

The Hizbul spokesman said the one-sided flexibility shown by Pakistan and some Kashmiri leaders is now proving counter-productive. “Under the garb of the ongoing peace process, India is making all out efforts to crush the freedom struggle of Kashmir,” he said, adding the Hizb militants operating in Kashmir will use all their force to foil the nefarious designs of the Indian Government and the Army.

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