China-India Border Personnel Meet On Arunachal Pradesh Border

NEW DELHI/ITANAGAR: A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) between India and China was held near Bumla in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion of Chinese National Day, weeks after a face-off between the two along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

The Indian delegation was led by Brigadier D S Kushwah, Commander of Tawang Brigade while Colonel Tang Fu Cheng, Commander of Tsona Dzong Garrison represented the Chinese delegation, a defence communique informed here today.

Speaking to The Citizen, the Head of the Department of East Asian Studies Sreemoti Chakraborti said, “These are gestures to create a feel good factor. There is no special meaning to these acts. One thing is sure no military activity is expected as of now from the Chinese side. Also, the military needs to interact so that could also be a reason. Worries are lowest as of now that is one good thing about the whole situation”.

The meeting was marked by unfurling the national flags of India and China, followed by ceremonial address by both the delegation leaders. Thereafter a function showcasing vibrant cultures took place, the statement said.

The proceedings reflected a mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at the border. Both delegations interacted with each other in a congenial and cordial environment.

The delegations parted amidst feelings of bonhomie and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the Line of actual control( LAC).

Speaking to The Citizen, the Head of the Center for North Eastern Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University Dr Amarjeet Singh said, “ These are very common. We all have witnessed it on several occasions. This is to convey that the scope of talks are always there. However, I personally feel that there should be alertness all the time. Good exchanges are always a good sign”.

Both sides also sought to build on the mutual feeling for upholding the treaties and agreements signed between the governments of the two sides to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC, the communique added.

A similar exchange of pleasantries between the two countries was yesterday held at the Chinese Border Personnel Meeting huts at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in eastern Ladakh to mark the 67 Anniversary of Chinese National Day.

The BPM, on the occasion of Chinese National Day on October 1, is conducted every year by Chinese troops with great enthusiasm, the communique said.