Northern army commander visits Siachen Glacier

Jammu, Jan 12 (IANS) Indian Army's Northern Command chief, Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu on Thursday visited the Siachen Glacier to review preparedness of soldiers at the world's highest battlefield, a defence statement said.

Anbu, accompanied by Leh Corps Commander Lt. Gen. P.J.S. Pannu visited forward posts at Siachen, said a statement by the army's Udhampur-headquartered command.

"While interacting with the troops at the forward posts in super high altitude, he appreciated the good work by them in challenging conditions and inhospitable terrain.

"He was also briefed on the Operational preparedness and security situation in the region by the Corps Commander and other Commanders on ground," it said.

The statement said that While at the Siachen Base Camp, Anbu also operationalised the 'Avalanche Panthers, Mountain Rescuers', a highly skilled force with in-depth knowledge, adaptability with local terrain and weather conditions with capability to respond in the shortest possible time for rescue operations, especially in glaciated terrain.

"The team was raised on December 6, 2016 at Siachen Base Camp comprising mainly of the troops from the Ladakh Scouts who being the 'Sons of the Soil' are well adapted to terrain and weather conditions prevalent in this high altitude region," it said.