India, China operationalise new border meeting point at DBO

Staff Reporter 

The 69th Independence Day of India proved to be a momentous occasion in India-China relations vis-a-vis the Line of Actual Control (LAC). For, on this day, both the countries operationalised a new Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) point near Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in the cold desert of Ladakh. 

The new BPM Point was operationalised in line with Border Defence Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries in October 2013 and would go a long way in ensuring peace and stability along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. This will be the northern-most meeting point between armies of both countries on the LAC near DBO. In the inaugural Border Personnel Meeting at DBO on the occasion of Indian Independence Day, a delegation of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China took part in the celebrations hosted by the Indian side. 

Senior officers of the Indian Army (left) welcoming those of the Chinese PLA. 

Addressing both delegations during the function, the Indian side extolled the ‘virtues of maintaining peace and stability’ on the Line of Actual Control, stated a release issued by Northern Command of the Indian Army. The Chinese delegation was led by Senior Colonel Liu Geping. At the outset, both the sides offered their salutations to the Indian tri-colour while the Indian national anthem was being played at the new BPM point. 

On the occasion of 69th Independence Day of India, the Indian Army hosted the Chinese PLA to a special Border Personnel Meeting at Chushul in Eastern Ladakh. The celebration showcased rich culture and traditions of India wherein apart from traditional dances and songs, an old form of martial art called ‘Gatka’ was performed by the troops. A volleyball match also was organised, fielding mixed team of both Indian and Chinese troops. The Chinese delegation participated in all the events with equal zeal and enthusiasm. 

The delegation of Chinese PLA with Indian side during cultural exchange to mark their visit.

The ‘Dare Devils’ of the Indian Army Signal Regiment performed acrobatics on their motorcycle. The world-record holder team, popularly called the ‘Dare Devils’ for their death-defying stunts, comprised one officer, two Junior Commissioned Officers, and 38 other ranks. The stunts were carried out at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. This was the first performance of the team to a joint audience of India and China. 

It may be recalled here that earlier this month, India and China held a ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting in Chusul in Eastern Ladakh to mark the PLA Day. It was The meeting was held at Chinese BPM Hut in Moldo Garrison. 

Operationalisation of a new BPM point at strategically important DBO has great significance considering the fact that there were stand-offs between the Chinese and the Indian sides in 2013 and 2014 in DBO as well as Chumar and Demchok areas respectively. Following the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China, both the countries felt the need to have a mechanism for more BPM points along the LAC. 

There are BPM points at Nathu La in Sikkim, Bum La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul in Ladakh, and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand. The one at Nathu La is comparatively accessible and has seen some positive activity. While the Nathu La border opens for annual trade fair, recently China allowed a route to holy ‘Mansarovar Yatra’ from this point.

(15-08-15)