copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of India (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-04-15): "The land is so barren and the passes so high that only the best of friends and fiercest of enemies come by" — reads a Ladakhi saying at Kumar post on the Siachen Glacier located at an altitude of 15,632 feet. The saying captures the conflict on the icy glacier between India and Pakistan. April 13, 2024 marks four decades since the Indian Army pre-empted Pakistan and occupied the glacier on the Saltoro ridge, overlooking the Nubra valley in the Karakoram ranges. Extreme weather is the biggest enemy on the glacier. Around 1,150 soldiers have lost their lives, majority of them to the vagaries of extreme weather. [...] Siachen is a legacy of the Partition between India and Pakistan. While the Line of Control (LoC) was delineated and accepted by both sides upto NJ-9842 as part of the 1972 Simla agreement, the glacier itself was left unmarked. India claims the area based on the Jammu and Kashmir Accession Agreement of 1947 and the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which define the ceasefire line beyond NJ-9842 as running "Northwards to the glaciers". On the other hand, Pakistan interprets it as ‘North-Eastwards’ to claim the area beyond the Saltoro Ridge and beyond Siachen as its own. This would give Pakistan direct connectivity to China as well as strategic oversight over the Ladakh region and the crucial Leh-Srinagar highway, posing a serious threat to India.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-08): The Saltoro Mountains form a subrange within the Karakoram Range[1] and are situated in the southeastern part of the Karakoram. They lie on the southwest side of the Siachen Glacier, which is one of the two longest glaciers in the world outside the polar regions.[citation needed] The name "Saltoro" is also associated with the Saltoro Valley, located west of this range and descending on the Pakistani side of the Saltoro Range, which generally follows the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL). [...] The Saltoro Mountains are part of the Lesser Karakorams and are situated on the southwestern side of the major Karakoram glaciers, including the Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo and Hispar Glacier, which run from east to west. The primary ridge of the Karakoram Range is located to the northeast of these glaciers. [...] The Saltoro Range is claimed by India as part of the Ladakh region and as part of the Gilgit–Baltistan region by Pakistan. Between 1984 and 1987, India assumed military control of the main peaks and passes of the range, with Pakistani forces holding the glacial valleys just to the west.[citation needed] Hence, despite high peaks and dramatic climbing opportunities, they are rarely visited except by military forces due to the ongoing Siachen Conflict.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2014-02-10): Saltoro Mountain Range is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. [...] The Saltoro Mountains are a subrange of the Karakoram Range. They are located in the heart of the Karakoram, on the southwest side of the Siachen Glacier, one of the two longest glaciers outside of the polar regions. The Saltoro Mountains are part of the Lesser Karakorams on the southern and western side of the large Karakoram-glaciers (Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo and Hispar Glacier from east to west) while the main ridge of the Karakorams lies north resp. east of these glaciers. The subranges of the main ridges are called Muztagh whereas the mountain groups of the Lesser Karakorams are denominated as Mountains, Ranges or Groups.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-08-27): It is the highest peak of the Saltoro Mountains, also known as the Saltoro Range, a part of the Karakoram. It is the 31st highest mountain in the world, but it is in a very remote location deep in the Karakoram. This pristine and glaciated terrain is a part of the larger Himalayan landscape that has captivated explorers since the early 20th century. The Saltoro Range serves as a natural border between the Indian-administered territory of Ladakh and the Pakistani-administered region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Its highest peak, Saltoro Kangri, at 7,742 m (25,400ft), is a challenging ascent, drawing adventurers worldwide. Beyond its physical grandeur, the Saltoro The range holds geopolitical significance, with the Siachen Glacier, a point of contention between India and Pakistan, lying in its proximity. India claims the Saltoro Range as part of the Ladakh region and as part of the Gilgit–Baltistan region by Pakistan. It is Situated in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir; Saltoro Kangri commands attention with its strategic position on the Saltoro Range. The peak lies near the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) between India and Pakistan, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its captivating allure. Accessible from both the Indian and Pakistani sides, the journey to Saltoro Kangri is as much about cultural exploration as it is about conquering the summit.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-07-17): K12 is the second highest peak in the Saltoro Mountains, a subrange of the Karakoram range in the Siachen region and is administered as a part of Ladakh territory. Its name comes from its designation given during the original survey of the Karakoram range. In 1984, an Indian army expedition under Colonel Prem Chand took hold of this peak, from the side of Siachen glacier by traversing from the west.[3]
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-12-25): Ghent Kangri, also known as Mount Ghent, is a magnificent peak situated in the Saltoro Mountain Range, located in the disputed territory between India and Pakistan. It is a part of the larger Karakoram Range that extends from Afghanistan through Pakistan and into India’s Ladakh region. The majestic Ghent Kangri stands at an impressive height of 7,401 meters making it the 22nd highest independent peak in the world. The mountain is nestled between two prominent regions – Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh. Gilgit-Baltistan is an administrative territory in northern Pakistan that borders the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to the south, Azad Kashmir to the southeast, and Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor to the north. In contrast, Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory, which constitutes a part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. The first successful expedition to Ghent Kangri was carried out by a Japanese team in 1961. The mountain has been relatively less explored due to its challenging terrain and hostile conditions. This peak is part of the strategic Saltoro Ridge, which acts as a natural barrier between India and Pakistan in this disputed region.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-03-24): The region surrounding Saltoro Kangri has been the subject of territorial disputes between India and Pakistan since 1947. Owing to its strategic location, control over this area is seen as crucial by both countries. However, the inhospitable climate and rough terrain make it difficult for either country to establish a permanent presence. [...] Neighboring Peaks: Saltoro Kangri is located deep in the Karakoram in a remote area. It stands on the Actual Ground Position Line between India’s Siachen region and Pakistani territory west of the Saltoro Mountain Range. Its closest neighboring peaks are Sherpi Kangri 6.2 miles away, Ghent Kangri 8.5 miles away, and K12 9.4 miles away. [...] Despite the ongoing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, Saltoro Kangri remains a place where nature thrives undisturbed. It stands as an example of how life can adapt to the most extreme conditions, offering a unique window into a largely unexplored ecosystem. However, it is essential that efforts are made to conserve this fragile ecosystem and protect it from potential threats. As more exploration takes place and human activity inevitably increases, it will be crucial to maintain a balance that ensures the survival and prosperity of the unique flora and fauna found within Saltoro Kangri.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2008-08-01): Saltoro Kangri, previously known as Peak 36, stands as the highest peak within the Saltoro Mountains subrange, which is part of the larger Karakoram range. This subrange is also referred to as the Saltoro Range and is situated within the Karakoram region. The term "Saltoro Kangri" typically encompasses both of its twin peaks, Saltoro Kangri I (located to the south) and Saltoro Kangri II, which are connected by a saddle. When comparing heights, the generic term "Saltoro Kangri" is used for the taller of the two peaks, Saltoro Kangri I. This peak ranks as the 31st highest mountain globally and is located in the remote reaches of the Karakoram. It lies on the Actual Ground Position Line, dividing Indian-controlled territory in the Siachen region from Pakistani-controlled territory to the west of the Saltoro Range. By elevation Saltoro Kangri is # 1 out of 67 in Diskit Nubra # 4 out of 13857 in India # 21 out of 8262 in Pakistan # 1 out of 246 in Ladakh # 1 out of 60 in Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WLS # 16 out of 552 in the Karakoram By prominence Saltoro Kangri is # 2 out of 67 in Diskit Nubra # 11 out of 13857 in India # 15 out of 8262 in Pakistan # 2 out of 246 in Ladakh # 2 out of 60 in Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WLS # 11 out of 552 in the Karakoram
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Ghent Kangri (or Mount Ghent, Ghaint I) is a high peak near the north end of the Saltoro Mountains, a subrange of the Karakoram range. It is located west of the Siachen Glacier near the Actual Ground Position Line between India and Pakistan. [...] - NJ9842, LoC ends and AGPL begins - Gyong La - Chumik Glacier - Saltoro Mountains - Saltoro Kangri - Bilafond La - Sia La - Indira Col, AGPL ends at LAC - Borders - Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL)
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-05-07): Saltoro valley is the highest valley in Pakistan and is located within the region of Baltistan.[1] This valley is under the administration of Pakistan and is situated near the Saltoro Mountain Range which includes the prominent Saltoro Kangri peak and the Saltoro River. Saltoro Valley is in proximity to the Siachen Glacier, which is the world's highest battleground and a disputed territory between India and Pakistan.[2][3] The Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) divides the region held by India and Pakistan in the disputed Siachen area, running through the Saltoro Mountain Range. In this area, higher peaks and passes are held by India, while Pakistan occupies the lower peaks and valleys.[4] In 1984, India conducted Operation Meghdoot, capturing most of the contested Siachen area. [...] - Bilafond La - Saltoro Valley - Ghent Kangri - Sia La - Sia Kangri - Indira Col - Operation Vajrasakti / Qaidat - Borders - Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL)
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-08): The first ascent of Saltoro Kangri was in July 1962, by a joint Japanese-Pakistani expedition led by T. Shidei. This piggyback expedition put A. Saito, Y. Takamura and Pakistani climber R.A. Bashir on the top on July 24, following the S.E. ridge route.[1][7] The peak was again climbed by an Indian Army expedition led by Colonel Narendra Kumar in 1981.[8] US maps of the area and many world atlases starting in the 1960s showed the Line of Control between Pakistani and Indian territory running from the last defined point in the 1949 Karachi Agreement, NJ9842, east-northeast to the Karakoram Pass, thus putting the whole of Saltoro Kangri and the entire Siachen Glacier in Pakistan. However, the Simla Agreement defined the Line of Control no further than point NJ9842 other than with the phrase "thence north to the glaciers." The Himalayan Index lists only one more ascent of the mountain, in 1981, and no other attempts.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-10-06): Saltoro Kangri is located in the northernmost part of the Karakoram Range, which spans the borders of Pakistan, India, and China. The Saltoro Range forms a major ridge line to the west of the Siachen Glacier, one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. The peak itself lies on the line of control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, in the contested Kashmir region. [...] Saltoro Kangri holds a strategic position along the western flank of the glacier, making it a key point of interest for both India and Pakistan. Indian forces currently occupy the higher ground along the Saltoro Ridge, including posts near Saltoro Kangri, while Pakistani forces control positions on the lower slopes to the west. The Line of Control (LoC), which separates Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistani-administered Kashmir, runs along the Saltoro Ridge. India claims sovereignty over the entire Siachen Glacier and the surrounding areas, including Saltoro Kangri, while Pakistan disputes this claim. The two countries have engaged in numerous rounds of negotiations over the years, but no permanent resolution has been reached.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-09-23): The Saltoro Mountains are a range of high mountains located in the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas, in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. The range is known for its stunning beauty, high-altitude peaks, and unique geography. [...] The Saltoro Mountains have a rich history, dating back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited by a number of different cultures and civilizations over the centuries, including the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and the Buddhist civilization of the Silk Road era. [...] In conclusion, the Saltoro Mountains are a truly unique and remarkable region, with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage. Despite the challenges facing the region, there is hope that through conservation efforts and peaceful resolution of conflicts, the Saltoro Mountains can continue to inspire and awe visitors for generations to come.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2023-12-28): - Saltoro Kangri is situated in a region that Pakistan currently administers. The area is a subject of territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. [...] - Saltoro Kangri is in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, and Pakistan currently administers it. However, the territorial status of the region is disputed, with India also claiming sovereignty over the area. Saltoro Kangri holds its lofty throne within the Saltoro Range, a sub-range of the more extensive Karakoram Range. Picture, if you will, a landscape where vast icefields meet dramatic rock formations, and the panorama extends to neighboring peaks. It’s within this challenging terrain that Saltoro Kangri asserts its dominance, beckoning climbers with its sheer grandeur.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-08-04): Splendid Peaks of Saltoro Kangri, often called Saltoro Peak, is a breathtaking mountain nestled in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. Rising to an impressive height of 7,742 meters (25,400 feet), it is the highest summit within the Saltoro Mountains. This peak is both a scenic wonder and a significant challenge for mountaineers, offering stunning vistas and demanding climbs. [...] Saltoro Kangri is strategically located in the northern Karakoram Range, near the Siachen Glacier. Its proximity to the border between Pakistan and India adds geopolitical importance. The mountain provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, making it a prime target for climbers. [...] Expeditions to Saltoro Kangri require obtaining permits from the Pakistani government. Coordination with local authorities and tour operators can ease this process. Arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and supplies are critical for a well-executed climb.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-09-28): The Siachen conflict, sometimes referred to as the Siachen Glacier conflict or the Siachen War, was a military conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed 1,000-square-mile (2,600 km2)[13] Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir. The conflict was started in 1984 by India's successful capture of the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot, and continued with Operation Rajiv in 1987. India took control of the 70-kilometre-long (43 mi) Siachen Glacier and its tributary glaciers, as well as all the main passes and heights of the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier, including Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Pakistan controls the glacial valleys immediately west of the Saltoro Ridge.[14][15][page needed] A cease-fire went into effect in 2003,[16] but both sides maintain a heavy military presence in the area. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, mostly due to natural hazards.[17] External commentators have characterized it as pointless, given the perceived uselessness of the territory, and indicative of bitter stubbornness on both sides.[17]
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-04-14): Soon, about 300-odd Indian troops were positioned on the strategically important peaks and passes of the Saltoro Ridge. By the time the Pakistan Army reacted by sending its troops to dislodge them, Indian soldiers had already occupied crucial peaks and passes, snatching an invaluable tactical advantage. [...] One of the key figures in the bold Indian decision-making of that time was a colourful mountaineer, Colonel Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar. Ever ready to set off on an expedition, Bull Kumar discovered in the late 1970s that Pakistan was hosting European mountaineering expeditions on the Saltoro Ridge, thereby establishing its claim to those ranges. [...] Ukraine says situation in East worse as Russian troops step up attacks "We began establishing a territorial claim to this area, through mountaineering, to counter Pakistan’s cartographic aggression," said Kumar. "My report on the expedition said, "The Line of Control should run along the Saltoro Ridge, so that we can overlook and dominate the Pakistanis."
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2012-09-03): On the map, Saltoro ridge appears like a dagger and in geopolitical terms it is indeed a dagger, sturck deep into the territories held by Pakistan and which belonged to erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir state of British India. Saltoro mountains are perhaps not high as great spurs of Saser Muztagh range, but still most of them in the north, have heights around 20 to 22K range. The Indian Army posts on Saltoro range, give them a commanding position as they can look deep into territory held by Pakistan towards west and north. In fact the entire region north of Saltoro is mountainous and inhospitable right up to the Hunza valley, where Pakistan and China have built a road jointly. [...] The terrain surrounding Saltoro ridge is such that the Baltistan region west of it, is subject to regular landslides and avalanches. Only recently, a major disaster had struck Pakistan army HQ in the region killing 126 soldiers. Cost of holding terrain west of Saltoro ridge in Baltistan is becoming unreasonably high for Pakistan without any untenable gains. Pakistan’s keenness for a accord, essentially stems out from this hard fact. For India, the gains of holding Saltoro are so apparent and Indian soldiers are also well dug in there in a very commanding position.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-04-15): "The land is so barren and the passes so high that only the best of friends and fiercest of enemies come by" — reads a Ladakhi saying at Kumar post on the Siachen Glacier located at an altitude of 15,632 feet. The saying captures the conflict on the icy glacier between India and Pakistan. April 13, 2024 marks four decades since the Indian Army pre-empted Pakistan and occupied the glacier on the Saltoro ridge, overlooking the Nubra valley in the Karakoram ranges. Extreme weather is the biggest enemy on the glacier. Around 1,150 soldiers have lost their lives, majority of them to the vagaries of extreme weather. [...] Siachen is a legacy of the Partition between India and Pakistan. While the Line of Control (LoC) was delineated and accepted by both sides upto NJ-9842 as part of the 1972 Simla agreement, the glacier itself was left unmarked. India claims the area based on the Jammu and Kashmir Accession Agreement of 1947 and the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which define the ceasefire line beyond NJ-9842 as running "Northwards to the glaciers". On the other hand, Pakistan interprets it as ‘North-Eastwards’ to claim the area beyond the Saltoro Ridge and beyond Siachen as its own. This would give Pakistan direct connectivity to China as well as strategic oversight over the Ladakh region and the crucial Leh-Srinagar highway, posing a serious threat to India.
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2021-11-29): What should have India done? Instead of occupying the Saltoro passes, Indian troops should have occupied territory west of the Saltoro ridge, which then was lightly held by Pakistan. Dansum, which after the launch of Operation Meghadoot became Pakistan’s 323 brigade headquarters, at an average height of 10,000 feet, was an ideal location. This would have helped an Indian occupation in six ways. One, Dansum is a relatively flat area at lower heights and is ideal for heliborne operations and troops build-up. Two, the three major passes on the Saltoro Range, Sia La, Bilafond La and Gyong La, meet at Dansum. This makes Dansum an excellent base to defend the Saltoro ridge and the glacier itself. Three, an Indian occupation of Dansum would have threatened Khapalu, which is Pakistan’s heavy brigade size garrison. Four, Indian casualties due to weather on the Saltoro ridge and the glacier would have been minimal. Five, the benefit of occupying Dansum was to be in negotiations with Pakistan as India would have been in a strong bargaining position to trade ‘land for peace.’
Claim: Saltoro Ridge is a territory of Pakistan (Saltoro Ridge, 2024-10-09)
Evidence (2024-05-03): The report said that although the current road construction is a patch between two possible alignments in the long term, it is quite evident that China wants to link Lower and Upper Shaksgam valley through road and military outposts in order to pressurize Indian Army positions on Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge.