While Pakistan continued lobbing mortar shells, Chinese PLA met Indian troops

Troops of the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army at Chushul in Ladakh (Express photo)

On India’s Independence Day, while Pakistani troops continued lobbing mortar shells at some places in Poonch, the Chinese army participated in cultural and sports events in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

“On the occasion of 69th Independence Day, the Indian Army hosted the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army to a special border personnel meeting at Chushul in Eastern Ladakh,’’ said the Udhampur based defence ministry spokesperson Colonel S D Goswami. Speaking on the occasion, the Indian side extolled the virtues of maintaining peace and stability on the LAC, he said, adding that Chinese delegation was led by Senior Colonel Liu Geping.

The celebrations showcased the Indian culture and traditions wherein apart from traditional dances and songs, an ancient form of martial art called “Gatka’’ was also performed by the troops. The “dare devils’’ of the Indian Army’s Signal Regiment performed acrobatics on their motorcycle.

A volley ball match was also organized fielding mixed team of both Indian and Chinese troops. The Chinese delegation participated in all the events with equal zeal and enthusiasm, the spokesperson said, adding that the day also marked a momentous occasion in the India-China relations as a new Border Personnel Meeting Point was also operationalised in line with the border defence cooperation agreement signed between the two countires in October 2013. This will be the northern most meeting point between armies of both countries on the LAC near Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), he added.