Article Posted on : - Jun 23, 2010

Defence Minister A K Antony during his maiden visit to the Siachen glacier. A PTI Photo

LEH, JAMMU & KASHMIR (PTI): A K Antony became the first Defence Minister of India to land at the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) near the Line of Actual Control on Tuesday during his maiden visit to Siachen glacier.

Antony flew in a Mi-17 helicopter from Leh air base to land at Nyoma, at a height of 13,300 feet, which was opened last year on September 18 with the landing of an AN-32 aircraft, Defence Ministry officials said.

The ALG has been developed to connect the remote areas of Ladakh to the mainland and to continue troop movement during winters when the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall.

Antony also reviewed the security situation in the eastern and western sectors of the state and was given a detailed briefing on the security situation on the border by the 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen S K Singh, officials said.

The minister was also briefed about the aerial operations carried out by the Indian Air Force in the sector by Leh airbase commander Air Commodore Anil Tiwari.

In-charge of air operations in Jammu and Kashmir Air Vice Marshal J Chauhan briefed Antony on the future infrastructure development, such as developing composite airbase at forward areas to enhance infrastructure for air operations, they added.

Stressing on the improvement in the quality of life of IAF personnel posted at high-altitude areas, Antony also reviewed various welfare measures being implemented by the station’s administration for the purpose.