LAHORE, April 10: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded an inquiry to ascertain the conditions the soldiers have to face at Siachen, and the security measures in place for their protection.

A statement issued by the Commission on Tuesday said: “The HRCP is grieved by the tragedy that befell 136 people, including 124 soldiers, who were hit by a massive landslide at Siachen and shares the anxiety and grief of the families concerned.

“The situation demands an inquiry to ascertain the conditions in which soldiers are stationed at the glacier and what measures are in place for their protection from the severity of the harsh climate as well as the hazards posed by the fickle nature of the terrain.

“It is unfortunate that Pakistan and India both continue to suffer human losses because of the fighting as well as the high toll taken by the elements and accidents at Siachen. The Commission particularly welcomes parliamentarians’ emphasis on Monday to resolve the dispute between India and Pakistan over Siachen through negotiations and calls upon the governments of both countries to resolve Siachen and indeed all contentious issues between them through amicable means. The two countries must attach priority to resolving their disputes through talks in order to ensure that they spend their resources on their people’s welfare and progress rather than their militaries’ upkeep and expensive rescue operations ‘at the world's highest battlefield’.”