When the mere temperature of 5 degrees sends a shiver down to our spine, the Indian Army has been braving the –50 temperatures along with harsh weather for the past 18 years at Siachen. Siachen glacier, or generally speaking Siachen is the highest battlefield of the world and is manned by the soldiers of the Indian Army. A terrain where soldiers die because of harsh climates instead of a bullet, dodging an avalanche is almost routine during winters. Here we list down five facts about the Indian Army at Siachen which will make you realize that they are the true superheroes.
Sometimes soldiers need to stay in an igloo which is not larger than a king sized bed. What makes the problem worse is that Sun does not give warmth at Siachen. It is the small kerosene stoves that keep the soldiers warm.
Siachen base camp
Given that the temperature goes below -50, any metal touched with bare hands will cause frostbite within seconds. Anything metallic is touched by putting on anti frostbite gloves. Sometimes even the sweat inside the gloves turns into ice.
Always alert
With approximately 40 feet of snow all year round, soldiers not only guard the terrain from the enemy but also keep away snow swallowing their post. To make the situation worst, they don’t get to eat fresh food because anything will freeze and shall become hard.
Eyeing the enemies
All guns and other weapons are thawed over stoves and are dipped in boiling water to keep them in working condition. Indian Army also has made the world’s highest helipad at Siachen at a place known as Sonam. This is from where supply to the higher post is sent.
Siachen gets monthly supplies and medical care by a chopper
Two third of the glacier is controlled by Indian Army. While the lower areas are controlled by Pakistan Army, India is at upper areas and has advantageous position in the coldest war field. India cannot go down and Pakistan cannot come up. And so the Siachen dispute continues.
Author: Anusheel
