Image Source: Agencies

An Agniveer soldier was killed on the world's highest battlefield in Siachen, the Fire and Fury Corps of Army Headquarters in Leh said on Sunday. Located in the Karakoram region near the Indo-Pak Line of Control, the Siachen Glacier is the highest militarized zone in the world.

HOW SOFT IS THE SIACHEN GLACIER?

At an altitude of 5,400 meters, it is the largest glacier in India and the second largest in the world, with temperatures dropping to -45 degrees, making it inhospitable to humans for long periods as soldiers battle frostbite and severe injuries. the wind

According to official figures, around 1,000 soldiers have died guarding Siachen since the Indian army took control of the glacier in April 1984, almost double the number lost in the 1999 Kargil war. The entire Siachen Glacier has been under Indian administration as part of the Union Territory of Ladakh since 1984. However, Pakistan has a territorial right to the Siachen Glacier. The area west of the Saltoro Ridge is under Pakistani control. Pakistani posts are located 3,000 feet below the crest of more than 100 Indian posts.

According to information presented earlier in the Lok Sabha, a total of 869 soldiers died while serving on the glacier between 1984 and 2015. The Pakistan Army lost 213 soldiers in Siachen between 2003 and 2010. In 2012, an avalanche killed 130 Pakistani soldiers.

Cinematographer Gawate Akshay Laxman, a resident of Maharashtra, died due to high altitude.

He is the first Agniveer who laid down his life in the line of duty.
“Quiet in the snow to stay, when the bastard calls, get up and walk again. All Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman in his mission at the unforgiving heights of Siachen and our deepest condolences to the family," said the HQ 14 Corps in Leh. X (formerly Twitter) post .
The Indian Army also said in a statement that it stands firmly by Laxman's family in this hour of grief.

"General Manoj Pande (COAS) and all forces of the Indian Army salute the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman at the unforgiving heights of Siachen. The Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow," the Indian Army said.
Citing military sources, an India Today report said the contract terms of Agniveers include bonuses for combat deaths. According to the conditions. the next of kin of the deceased Agniveer will get non-contributory insurance of Rs 48,000 and Rs 44,000.