India, Chinese border troops meet in Arunachal

Border personnel meeting between Chinese and Indian border troops was held on the Chinese side near Bumla in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Chinese border troops, opposite the Kameng Sector, invited Indian Army officers and their families on the occasion of China's 63rd National Day of China on 01 Oct 2012 on the Chinese side across the Line of Actual Control, a defence press release said in Guwahati.

Border personnel meetings at Bum La play a pivotal role in enhancing the bonhomie between the two countries along the Sino-India border and is a vital platform for resolving local issues with a view to enhance peace and tranquility in the sector.

These interactions between the Indian and Chinese armies started initially with a flag meeting and later transformed into a border personnel meeting on 30 May, 1999 99, becoming a regular event since then.

The last border personnel meeting at the 'Maitrey Sthal' on August 15, 2012 was hosted by the Indian Army, which contributed significantly in further cementing the mutual trust, confidence and friendship between the two countries.

The Chinese have been reciprocating by inviting the Indians every year on their national day.  
The celebrations commenced with the Chinese delegation leader welcoming the Indian delegation leader at the 'Heap of Stones' in Bum La which was followed by flag hoisting ceremony by the Chinese with both sides reaffirming their resolve to strengthen friendship and to maintain peace and tranquility along the border, the release added.

The Chinese counterparts hosted a cultural show depicting the rich cultural heritage of their country.

Image: A signboard is seen from the Indian side of the Indo-China border at Bumla, Arunachal Pradesh