Siachen day 4: Search operation continues despite weather conditions

452 person­s includ­ing 69 civili­ans employ­ed in relief effort­s.

Search and rescue operations in Giari continue on the fourth day despite unfavourable weather conditions that have prevented the American, German and Swiss rescue teams from leaving for Skardu, Express News reported.

According to ISPR, a total of 452 persons including 69 civilians are employed for relief efforts.

Two bulldozers, two earth movers, three excavators and two dumpers are working day and night on the site.

Five points have been identified on the site where rescue work is in progress. Two points are being dug with equipment while three points are being dug manually.

American, German and Swiss rescue teams have arrived in Rawalpindi and are waiting for weather clearance to proceed to Giari. A seven-member SPD team is using a life detection kit and thermal imaging cameras for the rescue operation.

HRCP expresses sorrow

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed sorrow over the Siachen tragedy in a statement released here on Tuesday.

Stressing the need to prevent such incidents in future, the statement said that the current situation demands an inquiry into the "conditions in which the soldiers were stationed at the glacier."

The HRCP also said that there was a need to reflect on the safety measures taken to protect the soldiers posted in Siachen, keeping in "mind the harsh climate and fickle nature of the terrain."

Sharing grief with the families of 136 avalanche victims, the HRCP said it was unfortunate that both India and Pakistan continue to confront each other at Siachen, despite suffering great losses.

Appreciating the parliamentarians’ stance to resolve the Siachen issue through negotiations, the HRCP said it was important for both the countries to set their priorities right. Urging the governments of India and Pakistan to work towards peace, the statement issued by the HRCP said both the countries should spend their resources on the welfare of their people and not “military upkeep.”

Correction: In an earlier version of the story, one of the foreign rescue teams was incorrectly mentioned as 'Swedish' instead of 'Swiss'. The correction has been made.