India, Pak for meaningful talks to demilitarise Siachen: Govt

New Delhi: India and Pakistan have agreed to hold meaningful and result-oriented discussion to demilitarise Siachen glacier region where 26 soldiers died during deployment last year, government told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

In a written reply, Defence Minister AK Antony said, "The number of casualties in Siachen in last one year is 26."

On diplomatic measures for demilitarisation of Siachen glacier region, he said, "12th round of Defence Secretary-level talks were held between India and Pakistan on May 30-31, 2011... It was agreed to continue the discussions in a meaningful and result-oriented manner."

In a written reply, Defence Minister AK Antony said, \"The number of casualties in Siachen in last one year is 26.\"

Both sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue process which is contributing to an enhanced understanding of each other's position, Antony said.

On enrolment of NCC cadets, he said, "Government has accorded sanction for increase in NCC cadet strength by 2 lakh from 13 to 15 lakh by raising five Group Headquarters and 60 Units in a phased manner over a period of five years.

"During 2010-11, one NCC Group Headquarter and 12 NCC Units were raised to induct 40,000 cadets," he said.

In 2011, the cadet strength of NCC stood at 12,36,338 with enrollment of 50 per cent new cadets, he said.

Referring to use of performance enhancement drugs by youth during recruitment rallies, Antony said, "No candidate has been detected using performance enhancing drugs during the Army recruitment drive."

However, National Anti-Doping Agency has been requested to deploy suitable teams to conduct random tests at the recruitment rally sites so as to deter aspirants from using performance enhancing drugs, he said.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)