An Army officer was killed and three soldiers were injured in a fire incident at Siachin glacier in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said.
An Army official said that a fire incident occurred at Siachen Glacier on Wednesday morning in which a captain ranked officer died and three soldier were injured.
“In a fire accident in the Siachen glacier today, one officer lost his life while three soldiers were injured. The injured have been safely evacuated from there to hospital. The incident took place around 3.30 AM,” an Army statement read.
Officials said that the deceased has been identified as Captain Anshuman Singh, Regimental Medical Officer.
He said three other personnel suffered smoke inhalation and second degree burns and have been safely air evacuated for further treatment.
“Condition of the injured is reported to be stable,” he added.
The injured soldiers, who have suffered smoke inhalation and second-degree burns, are currently stable, said Defence PRO, Leh.
“Capt Anshuman Singh, Regimental Medical Officer, succumbed to serious burn injuries sustained during the unfortunate incident,” the official added.
No further details were available about the tragic incident at the world’s highest battleground where India, facing the two threats of Pakistan and China, has maintained a strong presence to foil any conspiracies.
Siachen Glacier is the world's second-longest non-polar glacier, located in the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas. It is 76 kilometers (47 miles) long and lies between the Saltoro Ridge to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east. The glacier is the source of the Nubra River, which flows into the Shyok River and eventually into the Indus River.
The Siachen Glacier has been the site of a military conflict between India and Pakistan since 1984. India controls the glacier and its surrounding territory, while Pakistan controls the high ground to the west of the glacier. The conflict has been costly in terms of both lives and resources.
The Siachen Glacier is a harsh and unforgiving environment. The average temperature at the glacier's base is -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit), and the winds can gust up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). The terrain is also treacherous, with crevasses and other hazards that can make movement difficult and dangerous.
The conflict over the Siachen Glacier has been called a "stupid war" by some, as it is fought over territory that is of little strategic value to either side. The conflict has also been criticized for the high cost in terms of lives and resources.
Despite the high cost, the conflict over the Siachen Glacier shows no signs of abating. Both India and Pakistan have a strong interest in maintaining their presence in the region, and neither side is willing to give up its claim to the glacier.
The Siachen Glacier is a reminder of the human cost of conflict. The conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers, and it has also had a devastating impact on the local environment. The glacier is melting at an alarming rate, and the water it provides is essential for the survival of millions of people in the region.
The conflict over the Siachen Glacier is a tragedy that needs to be resolved. The two countries need to find a way to demilitarize the region and work together to protect the glacier and the people who depend on it.