Ladakh, October 21: Months after declaring Ladakh a Union Territory, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, October 21, announced that the Siachen area is open for tourists and tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes. The announced was made by Singh during his visit to Ladakh. Indian Army Mulling to Re-Open Siachen Glacier in Ladakh to Tourists.

Singh is in Ladakh to inaugurate the Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge built between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. "Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh. Shall visit the forward areas with the CoAS, General Bipin Rawat. Looking forward to attending the inaugural ceremony of a strategically important bridge over Shyok River," the Defence Minister had tweeted.

ANI Tweet:

The Siachen Glacier is part of Ladakh region which has been converted into a Union Territory by the Narendra Modi-led government by separating it from Jammu and Kashmir which is also turned into a Union Territory.

Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, is maintained by Indian troops round the year where extreme weather conditions and challenging glacial terrain are bigger enemies than bullets. According to reports, Indians visiting Ladakh have been frequently requesting permission to visit the famous Kargil war position as well as Tiger Hill where the Indian troops fought with Pakistan Army.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2019 05:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).