Indian, Chinese troops hold border meetings in Ladakh

Jammu: India and China on Monday agreed to maintain peace on the border as ceremonial Border Personnel Meetings (BPM) on the occasion of People`s Liberation Army (PLA) Day were held on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir`s Ladakh region, an Indian Army official said.

The meetings were held at Chinese BPM Hut in Moldo Garrison and at Ten Wen Den at Daulat Beg Oldie in Chushul sector.

"The delegations at Moldo were led by Brigadier Navneet Kumar from the Indian side and Senior Colonel Fan Jun from the Chinese side," Colonel SD Goswami, spokesman of Army`s Udhampur headquartered Northern Command told IANS here.

At Ten Wen Den, the garrisons were led by Colonel BS Uppal from the Indian side and Colonel Song Zhou Li from the Chinese side.

"The ceremonial border personnel meetings were marked by saluting the national flag of China by both the delegation members.

"This was followed by the ceremonial address by the delegation leaders which comprised of exchange of greetings, wishes and vote of thanks and reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at functional level at the border.

"Thereafter, a cultural programme showcasing vibrant Chinese culture and traditional grandeur was organised.

"At both the locations, the delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment, and parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

"Both sides also sought to build on the mutual feeling to uphold the treaties and agreement signed between the governments of the two sides to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC," said Goswami.