“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.

Last Tuesday, Indian Deputy High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra was summoned by the Pakistani Foreign Office and was handed over a demarche stating that Siachen is a disputed region and Pakistan was opposed to the Army’s plan to initiate any tourist activity in the area. “Siachen remains a conflict zone and the reported move by India to open this to tourism could aggravate the situation with serious consequences that vitiate the atmosphere for the ongoing peace process,” Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson had said.