evidence: Located on the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, the Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield and one of the most inhospitable terrains on earth. It is also the second largest glacier outside the polar region. India took over the territory in 1984 during Operation Meghdoot. [...] The Siachen Glacier serves as a wedge between Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Shaksgam valley, which Pakistan had illegally ceded to China. India’s control of the glacier prevents Chinese and Pakistani militaries from linking up and exposing Ladakh to a Sino-Pakistan pincer attack, therefore it is considered a strategically important area. Opening the Siachen base camp to tourism sent a strong message across the border and to the international forum that the glacier rightfully belongs to India’s sovereignty and every citizen of India has the right and freedom to move freely in our own territory.