Siachen Glacier, world's highest battlefield, to open for tourists

Months after declaring Ladakh a Union Territory, the Indian Army is now planning to open up the world's highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier, for tourists. As per the sources, opening the closely-guarded Siachen Glacier to civilians would help people witness the daily challenges and difficulties faced by Army personnel, who man the area during harsh weather conditions.
The said plan was recently mentioned by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during a seminar that was attended by senior Lieutenant Generals and several officers. The Army Chief mentioned, during the conference, that this would be good for national integration. And, as the force has been allowing citizens to visit training institutions and centres, they are now planning to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier too.

Citizens are not allowed to access the premises near Siachen Glacier, whereas only locals who live nearby and serve as porters for the forces are allowed by the Indian Army. However, now the forces are considering opening up more of its operational positions in the high-altitude terrain in Ladakh for civilians to visit.
As of now, the Army is in the process of identifying more of such positions and locations, where civilians can be allowed to visit and witness how the soldiers operate.
The Siachen Glacier is a part of Ladakh and has recently been converted into a Union Territory by the Indian government. Sources further added that the Army is now in the process of deciding the procedures and the points till where tourists can be allowed.

On being questioned if there would be any opposition to such a plan from Pakistan, sources mentioned that the entire area belongs to India and that the Indian administration is free to take decisions on such matters.