Siachen lacks clear marking of AGPL: Air Chief Marshal PV Naik

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, today said the talks between India and Pakistan over Siachen could not progress untill the `Actual Ground Possession Land' was demarcated.

Naik, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, also said while speaking to reporters here that presence of Chinese Army in Pak-Occupied-Kashmir was a "natural progression" of ties between China and Pakistan.

When asked about the reason for failure of talks on the Siachen and Sir Creek, Naik said, "The main issue over Siachen is that there is no clear marking of what we call the AGPL (Actual Ground Possession Land). Nobody knows where it runs. Each side has its own ideas. We are at present at an advantageous position, by occupying certain heights where attacking is very difficult for anybody."

"If both sides have to vacate this position, that line (AGPL) needs to be marked and, I would say, internationally approved, only then we will feel safe. Because once again going on to that position will be very difficult. So until this problem is sorted out, the talks between the two countries will not progress forward," he said.

He said the result of talks with regard to Sir Creek with Pakistan had been same - inconclusive.

 "There is a difference of perceptions on the boundary line. Is it in the centre of Sir Creek or on one side of Sir creek. Talks will have to carry on, ultimately we have to reach to a position," he said.

 On visibility of Chinese Army in POK, Naik said, "I think it is a natural progression of alliance between China and Pakistan. As far as presence of Chinese army is concerned, at present they are in the form of working parties. They are actually building bridges and roads. There are not any armed manoeuvres."

Naik, who inaugurated the Air Force Commander's conference at the South Western Air Command (SWAC) here this morning, would induct an indigenous medium-power radar at Naliya air base in Kutch district tomorrow.