India-China jointly celebrates I-Day at Bumla

Bumla (Indo-China border), Aug 16: The freezing cold of Bumla was momentarily forgotten as India and China jointly celebrated the Independence Day.

The sentiments ran high as the Chinese contingent saluted the tricolour when it was hoisted by Brigadier Sanjay Kulkarni amidst the national anthem played by the army's musicians.

Bumla is the final frontier of Indo-China situated at 15500 feet above the sea level where ground temperature remains sub zero for ten out of the 12 months making is one of the most inhospitable battle grounds of the world after Siachen.

The Chinese delegation was led by Colonel Lee Miyangi.

About 90-member strong Chinese delegation crossed over to Indian side to take part in the day-long festivities which included cultural functions, feast and above all the most important Border Personnel Meeting (BPM).

''This is practically the roof of the world'' said Brigadier Kulkarni, heading the army formation as the whole area is flat with only yaks and rare nomads are the only moving things in this barren landscape except the man on green.

Exorcising the ghost of the 1962 border war, the delegation of 90 army men and their families travelled from the Lee camp of the Peoples Liberation army located about 20 kilometres from the McMohan line, the official boundary between India and China.

The Chinese team came in a dozen four wheelers and as they walked past the ''heap of stone'', the legendary boundary post, the Indian delegation welcomed them and received them at the border and brought them to the Indian side with full military honour.

The border near Bumla is divided by ''heap of stones'' which has now become a symbol of growing friendship then acrimony. The eyeball to eyeball stance is no longer there and the Bumla has become an oasis of peace. The visit of each other's delegation on their national day have become a tradition for some years with India going to other side on the PLA Day on October 1. ''I can say the winds of change are blowing across the Himalayas and we want to be friends'' said Brigadier Kulkarni.

''Neither Chinese nor Indian troops here are talking of hostilities any more. Our relations are improving and there is no question of a war,'' he said.

Children from Tawang were taken to Bumla, where oxygen is less, to welcome the Chinese party. The nearest Tawang town is around 40 kilometres through some of the most treacherous road negotiable buy army vehicles only.

The drive to Bumla from Tawang is one of the most treacherous in the frontline. With near sub zero temperature and a height of 15500 feet, the physical help of the army men are the only solace.

The message from the Chinese side was that the two nations should strengthen the bond of friendship. The Indian side was overwhelmed by the response of the Chinese delegation. After the flag-hoisting ceremony, officers, their family members and soldiers posed for photographs.

Notably from Bumla, the Lhasa is just 500 kilometere away while Guwahati is above 600 kilometres. The road to Lhasa is certainly far better than the treacherous one with innumerable hair pin curves all the way to Balipara as well as Guwahati.

Some day this route will also be opened for trade, commerce and tourism like Nathu La, till then it remains at the hand of armies of both sides.

Analysts and political pundits will have their own take on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two sides, but the nearly two-and-a-half day journey from Tezpur to Bumla is enough to convince anyone that come what may, there would be no repeat of 1962 in an eventuality of another war in this sector.

The Indian Army, 40 years after its most shameful moment, emerged stronger and more professional. The preparedness is first rate, the morale higher and the capability enhanced.

UNI

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