Ahmedabad: Air chief marshal PV Naik on Sunday said that talks between India and Pakistan over Siachen cannot progress until the "Actual Ground Possession Land" was demarcated.
The chief of Air staff, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, told reporters in Ahmedabad that the presence of the Chinese Army in Pak-Occupied-Kashmir was a "natural progression" of ties between China and Pakistan.
When asked about the reason for the failure of talks on Siachen and Sir Creek, Naik said, "The main issue over Siachen is that there is no clear marking of what we call the AGPL (Actual Ground Possession Land). We are at present at an advantageous position, by occupying certain heights where attacking is very difficult."
"If both sides have to vacate this position, that line (AGPL) needs to be marked and, I would say, internationally approved, only then we will feel safe. Because once again getting that position will be very difficult. So until this problem is sorted out, the talks between the two countries will not progress forward."
He said talks with Pakistan on Sir Creek had also been inconclusive.
"There is a difference of perceptions on the boundary line. Is it in the centre of Sir Creek or on one side of Sir Creek. Talks will have to carry on...ultimately we have to reach a position," he said.
On the visibility of Chinese Army in PoK, Naik said, "I think it is a natural progression of the alliance between China and Pakistan. As far as presence of Chinese army is concerned, at present they are in the form of working parties. They are actually building bridges and roads. There are no armed manoeuvres."
PTI
