Mountain Warriors
(Part 2)
Dev thought for a while and then replied, “I think, I went inside at least four times. They were all the time giving briefing on maps. Prianka told me that some attack on hills of Siachen was being planned. She also told that it is going to be a major and sudden attack on Pakistan’s hills and enemy is not prepared for it.” Rahul got restless and tried to wind up sitting. He knew that that nothing more could not be gathered from Dev and moreover Dev was getting drowsy . . . H soon after Dev leaving room, he picked up paper which Dev had brought. It was really heavy meeting. Dev was shocked to read long list. He carefully folded the paper, kept in hidden pocket of trouser and left room.
Rahul walked all the way to a small PCO in thick and thin streets of old Delhi. He seldom went there to have some chats with relatives and girlfriends. He knew that the PCO run by a Sikh family was open till late in night.
The man on counter smiled on seeing him. He knew Rahul as he often used to visit there for overseas telephonic calls. They had a chat for some time until another customer in shop left. Rahul ensured that all small cabins were vacant and then gave him a small slip having contact number. He quietly read the Kenya’s number and signaled Rahul to go in 4th cabin. He sat there singing a song and waiting for signal from Sikh friend. In few moments, Rahul picked receiver on hearing a low sound whistle. On hearing a familiar female voice Rahul said, “My sweet heart.” Rahul carefully heard the words “Honey not 939” Rahul quickly explained the information given by Dev regarding long meeting. He then read the list of persons who attended the meeting. The female on took a deep breath and advised him to stay in hotel room and wait for further instructions to be passed through a Swedish contact number. She before disconnecting line said, “You can leave hotel room in case of emergency.” Rahul had a chat with Sikh while paying him bill amount. He then quietly went to a nearby shop for getting Dev’s document photocopied. He then wrote different countries mailing address on three envelopes and mailed them through ordinary post. He looked satisfied.
It was clear pleasant late night in Islamabad with shops and markets closing. Traffic on road had also gone thin. Brigadier Rashid’s official car followed by a jeep entered in office building parking area. The security staff got alert. It was not unusual to see him there at that part of night. He while taking big steps in corridor sent message for col Noor who already eagerly waited for him. He short while ago had contacted his boss and had requested for an urgent meeting. In next minutes col Noor was sharing main points and then played voice recording of telephonic discussion between Rahul and their lady officer in a Keny’s a sports store.
Brigadier Rashid then listened carefully the communication between the same lady officer and col Noor. He then asked for personal files of both Rahul and lady officer and studied each page with full attention. He looked at col Noor and said in low voice, “You are right, Matter serious.”
He then picked intercom and asked his staff to connect him to DG Intelligence personal staff. He was informed that DG was busy in some family function. He then had to talk himself with the secretary and made him realize that matter was not only serous but urgent also. On getting the message, DG responded on telephone line and on hearing the voice Brig Rashid immediately said, “Sir, this is SOS.” DG very well knew the importance of Brig Rashid’s desk so he immediately replied, “coming.”
DG Mumtaz took no time to change clothes and within minutes his official car guarded by two jeeps was on road towards office. Security staff got alert on knowing that DG was on way in that later part of night. The Guard standing outside the main gate No.1 on seeing jeeps rushing g towards office building signaled inside and so doors were opened. Front jeep entered inside followed by DG’s car while the second jeep stayed outside. Only security staff was on duty in that part of night and they felt that there was some emergency and something very urgent.
Brig Rashid and col Noor with necessary files walked towards DG office. On entering office Brig Rashid tried to excuse for disturbing late in night but DG stopped him with his hand. In the very next moment Brig Rashid was explaining the sensitive information. DG at the very start smelled the importance of information, so asked his staff to ask Brig Sher Khan and Brig Nawazish to be there soon. Brig Sher was in command of extreme Northern areas while Brig Nawazish was another efficient officer in Intelligence section.
Both the officers had slept when they got the message to report to office. The first thought that came in their mind was that there was emergency on borders. Brigadier Sher immediately called his junior officer to be there. He on the way picked two files of sensitive areas from his office. Both the efficient and trusted officers reached DG office within next few minutes. Brig Rashid asked col Noor to give briefing on latest development. Voice recordings were replayed. Both the new officers immediately realized how sensitive situation was and how much and why quick action was needed. There was silence in room for few moments as cups of coffee were being brought in.
Director General Mumtaz broke the silence by saying, “Gentlemen, very important and sensitive information reached us some hours back. Brig Rashid and even me have read the personal file of Rahul. He is a hardworking officer and his performance in last months has been outstanding. So, questions do not arise on creditability of secret report.” He then stopped to read a small note which Brig Rashid placed in front of him. He then continued, “As per my assessment, enemy’s first lot would have either landed or would be on way atter is very sensitive. We have very few hours and quick decision and reaction is needed. We have to bring it in knowledge of Commander without wasting further time.” He then took sip of coffee which was by then not so hot and then looking at Brig Sher Khan said, “I do not know how far you are prepared at this time but we need some briefing on the area.”
Brig Sher Khan got alert and quickly opened a file which he already had with him. Brig Sher Khan was a very efficient and had a brilliant career. He himself had gone to those sensitive areas a number of times to command. He had a remarkable knowledge and memory. All the chairs were rearranged in a manner to have a proper view of hanging board on left side of DG. Brig Sher Khan got up after having a quick review of main papers in file and stood beside the board with his back with wall.
He while pointing a specific area on map with a thin wooden stick spoke in a solid voice full of confidence “This is the specific area of Siachen Glacier located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalaya between India's Jammu and Kashmir region and the Pakistani-administered region of Gilgit-Baltistan. This whole area is of very high strategic importance for us.
Siachen glacier and its surrounding area has been made a disputed area by India since independence. At the time of partition, this whole area was part of Jammu & Kashmir region with Muslim population in majority and was ruled by Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh. The princely states were given the option to accede to either India or Pakistan, based on the predominant religion of the population and the ruler's decision. Despite all that, India since then has claimed sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948.
In January 1949, a ceasefire line, known as the Karachi Agreement, was established between the two countries, with the Siachen Glacier falling within the region under Pakistani control. It's important to note that the precise demarcation of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Siachen Glacier area is yet to be officially agreed upon by both countries.
This region has the most challenging extreme altitudes and the worst weather conditions. It spans an area of approximately 2,500 square kilometers (970 square miles).
The average elevation in the Siachen area ranges from around 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) to over 6,700 meters (22,000 feet) above sea level.”
Here Brig Sher Khan stopped to have a look at map and read some points from his file. He took out a document from his file and placed in front of DG Mumtaz. He then said, “Main Hills of strategic importance on Pakistan side are
1 Saltoro Kangri: It is the highest peak in the Saltoro Mountains, reaching an elevation of 7,742 meters (25,400 feet).
2 K12 Also known as the "Thalay Sagar," it has an elevation of 7,428 meters (24,370 feet).
3 Ghent Kangr is Located in the Saltoro Range, it stands at a height of 7,401 meters (24,281 feet).
4 Sherpi Kangri is situated in the Saltoro Mountains and has an elevation of 7,380 meters (24,213 feet).
5 Teram Kangri is another peak in the Saltoro Mountains, with a height of 7,464 meters (24,488 feet).” Brig Sher Khan turned the page in file and started reading the paper, “Likewise on the Indian side there is a series of high raising mountains. These are.
1 Indira Col is located between the Sia Kangri and the Indira Ridge and has an elevation of around 6,000 meters (19,685 feet).
2 Sia Kangri It is the highest peak on the Indian side of the Siachen Glacier, standing at an elevation of 7,422 meters (24,350 feet).
3 Teram Kangri IV Situated on the Indian side of the Siachen Glacier, it has a height of 7,338 meters (24,075 feet).
4 Rimo Peak Located in the Rimo Muztagh subrange, it is one of the prominent peaks in the region, reaching an elevation of 7,385 meters (24,229 feet).
5 Gyongla lies in the eastern Karakoram Range and has an elevation of 6,700 meters (21,980 feet)”
Brig Sher Khan then stood up looking at the map for few seconds and took attention of other officers in room by placing the tip of his stick-on written words “Skardu”.
He then spoke, “Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan is our logistical hub for onward operations. The distance from hub to Siachen glacier varies because of the vast area covered by the hills but can be calculated on knowing the target point. The approximate distance from Skardu to our main base camp at the Siachen Glacier is about 70 kilometers.”
He looked at map for few moments and then spoke “At present we use two routes from Skardu for Siachen.
Skardu-Askole-Gyari-Base Camp
Skardu-Deosai-Saltoro Ridge-Base Camp
Both these routes are very challenging, demanding and require expertise because of rugged terrain, high altitudes, and adverse weather conditions. The travelling involves a combination of jeep routes and trekking/mountaineering.
Skardu-Askole-Gyari-Base Camp:
This route starts from Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. From Skardu, the journey heads towards Askole, a small village located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Skardu. This initial leg of the route can be traversed by jeeps, depending on the condition of the road.
Upon reaching Askole, the terrain becomes more challenging, and the route continues on foot. The trek proceeds through the Gyari region, where various camps are established to provide logistical support. These camps serve as rest points and supply stations.
Skardu-Deosai-Saltoro Ridge-Base Camp:
This alternative route also starts from Skardu and initially follows a jeepable road. From Skardu, the journey takes travelers towards the stunning Deosai Plains, a high-altitude plateau known for its scenic beauty. The jeepable road allows for vehicular access through this section.
After crossing the Deosai Plains, the route becomes more demanding. The journey continues towards the Saltoro Ridge, a mountain range that forms the northern boundary of the Siachen Glacier.is the is a point, the terrain becomes rugged and unsuitable for vehicles. Here on this route also we have established a series of camps along this route to ensure operations. These camps provide vital logistical support, including accommodation, food, and equipment.”
Brig Sher Khan had a final look at the map and his file and said, “Sir, this is the detail of hilly areas which now is going to be the highest battle ground in world. In our last many meetings, we had discussed the importance of this area but never deployed any force over there. Perhaps it was because it is humanly impossible to stay over there in harsh weather conditions with limited resources.”
DG Intelligence at this point said, “Thanks for fruitful briefing. It has helped us all to understand the sensitive area and the conditions over there.”. He while concentrating on map said, “It seems that Commander Northern Areas would be very comfortable to have you in that region in next days.” He then paused and said, “It is just my personal opinion. Final decision would be of course his.” He took a deep breath and said, “Coming back to original matter, Officers, get ready for a meeting in GHQ as the report sent by Rahul is very sensitive. Let me contact chief at home.” With that all officers saluted him and left room
(To be continued)
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