Itanagar, November 8: The Indian Army and the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) celebrated Diwali along Indo-Sino border in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Both the armies held Ceremonial Border Personal Meeting (BPM) to commemorate joint celebrations of the festival of lights. The meeting was organised by the Indian Army at Bum-La. It was the last ceremonial meeting of this year. Colonel Prasenjit Kar led the Indian Army delegation, while the PLA team was headed by Colonel Yang Zi Ming. Independence Day 2018: The Wars That Indian Armed Forces Fought Since 1947

Both the delegations interacted and exchanged greetings in a cordial atmosphere which is a sign of improving military-to-military ties at ground level. The meeting began with the hoisting of the national flags and lighting of traditional Diwali lamps. Both sides highlighted the importance of maintaining peace along border areas. The highlight of the border personnel meeting was the colourful and impressive performances by cultural troupes showcasing ‘Real India’.

Similarly, On August 15, The Indian Army and the PLA jointly celebrated India’s Independence Day at Nathu La, Sikkim. The two armies held special border personnel in the sector to boost mutual trust and promote peace. The meeting was part of a "joint" celebration to commemorate the 72nd Independence Day of India. The PLA delegation, comprising several officers and soldiers, attended the celebration. The meeting aimed at enhancing the atmosphere of peace at the border between the two armies.

Last Year, both the armies were also locked in a 73-day standoff in Bhutan’s Doklam Plateau. The Indian Army stalled the construction of the road by the Chinese troops in the area. Doklam Plateau is the strategic location from where Chinese troops could have kept a watch on India’s narrow corridor connecting Indian mainland to the North Eastern states, also popularly known as ‘Chicken’s Neck’.

(With inputs from IANS)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 08, 2018 03:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).