ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: Pakistan summoned an Indian diplomat on Monday to protest against an Indian plan to open the disputed Siachen Glacier to tourists, saying the move could cast a shadow over the peace process.

The Indian army is planning to take a group of trekkers to the Himalayan glacier, where rival forces have faced off since 1984 across what is known as the world’s highest battlefield.

“The Indian deputy high commissioner was told that the Indian plans to open up the disputed territory for touristic purpose was viewed with deep concern by Pakistan,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told a weekly briefing.

“The area remains a conflict zone and the reported move by India to open up Siachen for tourism could aggravate the situation with serious consequences that could vitiate the atmosphere for the ongoing peace process.”

India first sent a force into the remote Siachen region, 5,500 metres above sea level, in 1984. Pakistan responded by sending troops in and clashes followed. Experts say India has around 5,000 troops on the glacier and Pakistan has less than half that number. Harsh weather in Siachen is said to have claimed many more lives than fighting.

“Despite Pakistan’s earnest efforts, progress on resolving the Siachen dispute has remained stalled due to India’s inflexible attitude,” Ms Aslam said.

Indian newspapers said that up to 20 people were due to be taken on a three-week trek in the region, beginning next week.

The Indian army has said the first group of trekkers will set off later this month for the Siachen Glacier.

Meanwhile, the Indian foreign ministry said the two sides had agreed to a new round of talks on conventional and nuclear confidence-building measures in New Delhi on Oct 18 and 19.

A joint counter-terrorism panel formed last year would hold its second meeting on Oct 22, also in the Indian capital, the ministry said in a statement.—Agencies