MoD changes mind, says Siachen trip is on

The MoD asserted that it is right to send the expedition to the glacier as the 8220;trek is taking place in an area which is ours8221;. 8220;There is no move to call off the trekking expedition. We consider it a regular mountaineering activity, which should not be viewed in any other way,8221; said a MoD spokesperson.

A group of Mumbai-based civilian trekkers, scheduled to leave for Leh on Monday night, were asked not the board the aircraft after it came to light that requisite clearances had not been granted by the MoD. Sources said that some officials 8220;overreacted8221; as formal permission had not been granted 8216;on file8217;.8220;We are very happy that the matter has been sorted out and are keen to proceed on the expedition,8221; said marketing professional Mukund Deodhar, one of the trekkers.

The Army said that a revised team of 42 people would now take part in the 22-day expedition. Trekkers will first be acclimatised at Leh and will then be moved to the Siachen base camp for a 8216;glacial craft8217; training camp. The team will then proceed on the 12-km trek to the 16,000-feet-high Kumar camp.