The story of the strongest shield to the country that assures us a peaceful sleep at night is heard and their valour celebrated only when there is major operation going on at the frontiers. Not every day do we pay respect to the extreme life led by the Indian army at the most remote places where the men in green have based their camps.

Here are some of the most dangerous postings and bases our protectors have undertaken to ensure that we breathe free every day.

Siachen Glacier, Jammu & Kashmir

The world’s highest battlefield had been marred by controversies for the unbelievably torturous life lead by the army jawans there but the jawan continues to guard the disputed Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir from Pakistan.  Situated 19,000 feet above the sea level, and with temperatures plummeting as low as -50 degrees, Siachen is a test of endurance.

Around 3,000 men are posted here. Indian soldiers who stay at that altitude for long suffer from loss of appetite, sleep disorders and memory loss. Speech blurring is also very common among the soldiers. Over the years it has seen a loss of 2,000 lives more due to harsh weather conditions than to battle.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 

Located at 10,000 ft above sea level, life at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh that hosted the India China conflicts has ever been easy. The blame is on the Indian government that never focused on improving the infrastructure and connectivity of the most remote village in North East till late.The constant clashes between the two countries` security forces, China’s expansionist policies, make Tawang one of the most dangerous postings in the country.

Adding to this is the harsh life. Most days, there is either no power. Train connectivity, public transport and all-weather roads are few. Public health facility is abysmally low. The fight nevertheless has to continue.

Munabao, Rajasthan

The longest India-Pakistan border running 1,040 km in length is located in the Thar Desert. This mercy lever hears rocket as high as 50 degrees Celsius and the soldiers have to battle through sandstorms, shifting sand dunes & ridges and strong winds, besides the Pak enemies.

The arbitrarily drawn Radcliffe line bears a homage to many who lost their beloved and hard-earned property during partition and the tale now continues with the jawans who guard the borders without food and water for days.

Bharati Research Centre, Antartica

That stop before the South Pole where life is impossible has the Indian Army parked there at -89 degree Celsius all for the accumulation of data support for the Indian Research Centre; Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri and Bharati.

With wind speed crossing 40 knots, an ice cover that could be more than 1.5 metres thick, transportation of basic amenities is a real challenge. Yet then the research must go on.

Dantewada, Chattisgarh

The capital of Moist insurgency-hit areas located in South Chattisgarh led to the death of more than 1500 Indian soldiers over the years. Violent clashes and landmine explosion are not seasonal events and the Indian Army unprotected is the largest victim.

Redeployment and restructuring of around 57,000 army personnel were announced by the Defence ministry last year and closing 39 military farms in a phased manner. The jawans, however, continue to lose a life every now and then.
 

The world`s secound largest Indian Army is undisputedly the real hero and deserves more than it receives.