Sunday, June 12 2005 16:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Siachen: Dr Manmohan Singh today (Jun 12, 2005) created history by becoming the Prime Minister to visit the inhospitable Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.

The 73-year-old Premier, who has undergone a cardiac by-pass surgery, undertook the trip to the Glacier situated at more than 12,000 ft above sea level for first-hand account of the conditions in which the troops are deployed.

"I wanted to see for myself what your living conditions and arrangements are and what are your problems and what the Government can do to address those," he told soldiers at the Base Camp situated at an altitude of 11,118 ft.

Later he made an aerial survey of the forward areas where oxygen level is substantially low as a result of which breathing becomes very difficult.

The troops deployed in Siachen have to undergo acclimatisation before posting in the sector as mercury does not rise above five degrees Celsius even in peak summer.

The Prime Minister underwent a medical examination before going to Siachen.

Even at the Base Camp, top military officers, who briefed the Prime Minister about the prevailing situation in the sector, advised him against going to forward areas, as he had already been apprised about the situation.

Last year (2004), President A P J Abdul Kalam became the first head of the State and Supreme Commander of the forces to undertake a trip to Siachen.