With only slight adjustments in the cease-fire line after subsequent wars, the division of Kashmir has continued for five decades. And since 1984, the state's Siachen Glacier region has become a 20,000-foot high battleground between India and Pakistan.
There are differing views on the military significance of the Siachen Glacier, but the dispute has an undeniably strong political significance. However, as India and Pakistan have worked to reach agreement on many issues over the years, Siachen has been discussed as a potential location for cooperation by the two sides through disengagement of troops from the region. In 1989 and again in 1993, a settlement on the issue was nearly reached. The high cost in financial and human terms of continuing this confrontation make it an excellent candidate for cooperation while minimising strategic or military disadvantage.
Many factors will influence a resolution of the Siachen conflict. While political will is the predominant factor, it will be affected by other issues too. The desire to reduce human suffering and to save money are two other important factors that justify resolution. Mechanisms which provide assurance that the terms of an agreement are met will be required in order to support political will. These mechanisms may include monitoring systems, inspection regimes, and cooperative projects, all of which can help ensure compliance with whatever agreement is made.
The concept introduced here is to substitute a scientific presence in the Siachen region for the military one. The goal of establishing a "Siachen Science Centre" would be to satisfy the requirement for a national presence in the area that would help ensure that the terms of a military disengagement agreement are met, while advancing the cause of science in many fields. The project could be conducted cooperatively by Indians and Pakistanis but with the possible participation of other regional and international participants and sponsors.