If the latest pictures are believed then China is building roads in a part of illegally occupied Kashmir near Siachen Glacier, which could lead to security implications for India. Satellite images show, the road in Shaksgam Valley, which was part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which was given to China in 1963, splits off from Highway G219s extension in Chinas Xinjiang and vanishes into the mountains at a location (coordinate: 36.114783°, 76.671051°) about 50 km north of Indira Col in Siachen Glacier, which is Indias northernmost point. Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has visited the area twice since March.According to the media agencies, the basic road trails were laid between June and August last year. The Chinese road passes through Aghil Pass, which used to be Indias frontier with Tibet in 1947.The construction first came to light when it was flagged by one of the observers of the Indo-Tibetan front who calls himself Nature Desai on X, the social media handle.#ExclusiveThread:In a significant development, 🇨🇳 road has breached the border at Aghil Pass (4805 m) and entered the lower Shaksgam valley of Kashmir, 🇮🇳 with the road-head now less than 30 miles from 🇮🇳 SiachenThis permanently answers the question of Shaksgam for 🇮🇳1/4 pic.twitter.com/TyjMcUqz2S— Nature Desai (@NatureDesai) April 21, 2024However, the official map of India, after abrogation of Article 370 shows this region as Indian Territory.Meanwhile, Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, former commander of the Indian Armys Fire and Fury Corps which is responsible for manning Kargil, Siachin Glacier, and Eastern Ladakh, advised a constant vigil be maintained to ensure these roads are not used for military maneuvers by Pakistan and Chinas armies.
