NEW DELHI - The climate is as dangerous as the bullets on the highest battlefield in the world - over 6500m - as India and Pakistan square off along the Siachen glacier in northern Kashmir.
Hundreds of soldiers have died in the 15-year conflict from exposure as wellas cross-border firing along the glacier and the adjoining Saltoro ridge, where temperatures average minus 30 deg, dropping to minus 60 in winter.
A formidable wind-chill factor adds to the harshness.
On average, one Indian soldier dies every day from the cold.
The confrontation is also a financial burden for both sides.
India's daily outlay in maintaining troop supply lines, however, is much more at about 30 million rupees ($1.3 million) as everything is flown in by helicopter.
Each chapatti (unleavened bread) costs 65 times its normal price to get to the soldiers. Ferrying supplies costs about $45 a kilogram.
Most Pakistani posts are serviced by all-weather roads, making it less expensive and arduous.
The Siachen dispute dates to the 1949 Karachi Agreement following the first of two wars between the neighbours over Kashmir, soon after independence in 1947.
The agreement denoted the ceasefire line ending at Khor in the Himalayas, leaving about 75km of the glacial area unmarked.
The 1972 Shimla pact that ended the third war between the pair also failed to take Siachen into account.
Mutual suspicion led India and Pakistan to send military expeditions to the area.
In 1983, Pakistan staked its claim and eight months later began moving in troops.
India flew soldiers to all routes to the glacier overlooking Pakistani territory. Ever since, the fight has settled down to daily exchanges of artillery fire and skirmishes between patrols.
