(Correcting line 1, para 1)

Bumla(India-China border), Oct 1 (UNI) The Indian Army entered China today through the inhospitable Bumla pass in Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate the National Day of China, putting aside recent acrimony between the two giants over the status of Arunachal Pradesh.

As a team of 25 Indian Army officers, a team of JCOs and NCOs of media personnel marched into the Chinese territory where their Chinese counterpart welcomed them in a freezing atmosphere. They put up a dazzling display of cultural shows and food fiesta, which lasted for more than four hours.

The Indian side came from the Tawang garrison while the Chinese side came from the Lee camp, located about 40 km inside the Chinese territory.

The Chinese side put up temporary arrangements for the event as both sides, specially their families, enjoyed mixing around, exchanging currencies, gifts, small eatables and ornamental items, which were freely doing the round in a merry making mood.

Despite the acrimonious statements flying in from both sides about the status of Tawang and Arunchal Pradesh in general, the camaraderie and the fun on the ground on these occasions are rare treat for the eyes. Each year on India's independence day, Chinse delegates come to India for a day-long festivity and the Indian side travel to on the occasion of Chinese National Day.

Chinese wines poured in abundance while both sides, including the officers, enjoyed themselves taking photographs in the freezing temperature. They also held a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM).

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