ON the occasion of 57 National Day on October 1, 2006, the Chinese Border troops opposite the Kameng Sector, invited the Indian counterparts to join them in their celebrations near Bum La in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.  The Indian officers and soldiers were accompanied by their families who joined the special celebrations on the Chinese side across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) at Bum La are unique to the entire Indo-China border stretching across thousands of kilometers.  These interactions between the Indian and Chinese Armies started initially with Flag Meetings and later transformed into BPMs since May 30 1999 and have since become a regular event here. The last meeting on August 15, 2006, was hosted by the Indian side, this event contributed significantly in further cementing the bonds of mutual trust, confidence and friendship between the two countries.  The Chinese have been reciprocating this by inviting the Indians every year on their National Day.

This year the celebrations commence with the Chinese Delegation Leader Sr Colonel Yang Yun Fu welcoming the Indian Delegation Leader Brigadier Sanjay Kulkarni, SC, and SM at the Heap of Stones. This was followed by flag hoisting by the Chinese. The delegations also utilized the opportunity to have an informal interaction aimed at furthering the growing trust and confidence between the two great nations.  This was followed by a cultural programme of an hour, which depicted the rich cultural heritage of China.

The occasion was also utilized for social interaction amongst all ranks, families and children who attended from both sides of the border.  The Indian Delegation was treated to a wide array of Chinese delicacies.  The event culminated with an exchange of gifts and clicking of photographs between delegation members, families and children.  Finally, the Delegations and those attending the meeting, parted with fond memories of the occasion.  This event is a positive step towards further cementing the relations in the ongoing Year of Friendship between the two great nations.

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