08-16-2006, 12:33 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>China crosses border again, this time for I-Day </b>
Pioneer.com
Sanat K Chakraborty | Bomla (AP)
Move over Nathu La. Bomla is the new talking point of Hindi-Chini bonhomie.
Located at over 15,000 ft, Bomla lies on the historic road from Tawang to Lhasa, the seat of Tibetan politico-religious administration that runs over 490 kms.
Since 1999, Indians and Chinese on both sides of the border have build up their relationship through symbolic gestures such as inviting officers and soldiers along with their families to one another's National Day celebrations.Â
Indian and Chinese delegates stand in front of the Bomla Hut at Bomla during Independence Day celebration - Utpal Baruah
'The renewal of bonhomie' has been an annual event since 1999 between the officers and soldiers of both the Indian and the Chinese army. And why not, asks Brig Sanjay Kulkarni. Bomla, where the Indian soldiers fought bravely to halt the Chinese invasion, has not heard any gun shot since the eighties.
Usually, the officers meet four times a year in what is termed as Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) at alternate venue on both sides of the Indo-China border. The Chinese officers and soldiers along with their families are invited to join the Independence Day celebrations at Bomla to spend some time together.
"We also reciprocate the same way on the 1st October, the Chinese National Day," Brig Kulkarni said. "This is one of the confidence building measures that we are pursuing. It helps," he claimed.
This year too, the Chinese delegation was led by Col Li Ming, ARV, who was received at the<b> Heap of Stones, a sacred spot where, it is believed, one can throw a stone on the heap and make a wish. Lt Col Lalit Rai, a Kargil veteran with a Veer Chakra walked the Chinese delegation at the BPM venue, where the officers joined Brig Kulkarni at the flag hoisting ceremony</b>.
This was followed by a cultural show organised for the visitors and exchange of gifts and pleasantries. Both the sides made brief statements in which they expressed their resolve to promote lasting goodwill and friendship.
Col Ming while congratulating the Indian Army for hosting such a wonderful event said: "May the prosperity of the two nations be ever lasting".Â
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Pioneer.com
Sanat K Chakraborty | Bomla (AP)
Move over Nathu La. Bomla is the new talking point of Hindi-Chini bonhomie.
Located at over 15,000 ft, Bomla lies on the historic road from Tawang to Lhasa, the seat of Tibetan politico-religious administration that runs over 490 kms.
Since 1999, Indians and Chinese on both sides of the border have build up their relationship through symbolic gestures such as inviting officers and soldiers along with their families to one another's National Day celebrations.Â
Indian and Chinese delegates stand in front of the Bomla Hut at Bomla during Independence Day celebration - Utpal Baruah
'The renewal of bonhomie' has been an annual event since 1999 between the officers and soldiers of both the Indian and the Chinese army. And why not, asks Brig Sanjay Kulkarni. Bomla, where the Indian soldiers fought bravely to halt the Chinese invasion, has not heard any gun shot since the eighties.
Usually, the officers meet four times a year in what is termed as Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) at alternate venue on both sides of the Indo-China border. The Chinese officers and soldiers along with their families are invited to join the Independence Day celebrations at Bomla to spend some time together.
"We also reciprocate the same way on the 1st October, the Chinese National Day," Brig Kulkarni said. "This is one of the confidence building measures that we are pursuing. It helps," he claimed.
This year too, the Chinese delegation was led by Col Li Ming, ARV, who was received at the<b> Heap of Stones, a sacred spot where, it is believed, one can throw a stone on the heap and make a wish. Lt Col Lalit Rai, a Kargil veteran with a Veer Chakra walked the Chinese delegation at the BPM venue, where the officers joined Brig Kulkarni at the flag hoisting ceremony</b>.
This was followed by a cultural show organised for the visitors and exchange of gifts and pleasantries. Both the sides made brief statements in which they expressed their resolve to promote lasting goodwill and friendship.
Col Ming while congratulating the Indian Army for hosting such a wonderful event said: "May the prosperity of the two nations be ever lasting".Â
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