India-pak open talks to resolve siachen issue

Rawalpindi. Pakistan and India on Monday began two-day talks to resolve the dispute over Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. Pakistan. Pakistan army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has sought demilitarisation of the area following a massive avalanche that entombed nearly 140 soldiers.
Both the countries accepted that it is in the interest of both countries to get a solution of all the outstanding issues, as it would bring them ttowards the peace and prosperity. Indian delegation is led by defence secretary Shashikant Sharma, while Pakistani side is headed by defence minister Naveed Qamar.
The two defense secretaries held one-on-one meeting ahead of the delegation-level meeting, official sources said.
The two sides will focus on Siachen dispute on Monday and will discuss the issue of determination of water boundaries on Tuesday.
Besides defence officials, director general of military operations and foreign ministry representatives are also participating in the talks.
The Sichen Glacier dispute was once again highlighted after a massive avalanche struck a Pakistan camp in early April, killing 140 soldiers and civilian contractors with the army.
There had been calls in Pakistan and India to find out solution to the longstanding dispute where harsh weather kills more soldiers than fighting.