India, China personnel meeting put off

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 30

The annual ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) hosted by China on May 1 has been put off in the wake of Covid-19.

May 1 is “International Labour Day” and on this day the Peoples Liberation Army of China hosts the Indian Army units at five different locations along the 3,448-km Line of Actual Control (LAC).

There has been no invitation from the PLA China, Indian officials confirmed on Thursday.

The Indian Army will wish their Chinese counterparts over telephone at three locations — two of these in eastern Ladakh and one in Arunachal Pradesh.

In all there are five BPM points – Moldo and Spangur gap (Chusul) in Ladakh, Natu La Sikkim and Bum La and Kibithoo Arunchal Pradesh. Commanders of both sides have a telephone connection to speak and convene a meeting in case of any violations along the undemarcated LAC.

India hosts such ceremonial meetings on January 26 and August 15. China hosts two — one on May 1 and another one in October to mark PLA day.

The ceremonial meeting is almost a daylong affair with families of either side attending it.