( Newsvine )) Pakistan protested a plan by India to let tourists visit the Kashmir glacier that is the site of the world's highest battlefield, warning Monday that it could harm peace talks between the South Asian neighbors.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry summoned a senior Indian diplomat to express its "deep concern" over media reports that a tour group was heading to the 20,000-foot-high Siachen glacier.
Thousands of Pakistani and Indian troops have confronted each other in the area since 1984, when Indian forces occupied the glacier. More troops have died due to the inhospitable conditions than from hostile fire.
Tensions have declined since a cease-fire in 2003, but the two countries have reached no breakthrough in efforts to resolve the dispute over Kashmir, which has provoked two wars between the sides.
"The area remains a conflict zone and the reported move by India could aggravate the situation with serious consequences that may vitiate the peace process," Foreign Ministry spokesman Tasnim Aslam said.
Media reports in India over the weekend quoted the chief of army staff as saying that the military wanted to let people from India and the rest of the world enjoy the area's natural beauty.
An information camp has already been set up to provide details of sightseeing and adventure spots on the glacier to visitors, Gen. J.J. Singh said, according to The Hindu newspaper.
On Monday, Indian military spokesman Col. S.K. Sakhuja confirmed only that the military planned to send a group of soldiers, army cadets and "some civilians" on a 20-day trip to the area.
He said it was not clear whether such trips would take place regularly.