What Beijing didn't know: Old Monk' flowed at border post meetings

New Delhi: This is a tale most of the officers and men who have served in the high-altitude areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) never tire of repeating of how the Chinese soldiers would look forward to large servings of Old Monk rum during the bilateral meetings that were usually marked by warm bonhomie.

"Old Monk Rum is a much sought after item among the Chinese soldiers. In return, they would bring their bottles of beer made from barley, although we preferred our own liquor,” said a serving Army officer who was stationed near the Nathu La pass in Sikkim which is not far from the latest flashpoint where Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation that began last month.

As part of the confidence-building measures, besides about 10 border post meetings (BPMs) in a year, the two forces had regular flag meetings usually focused on specific issues and would host events to celebrate festivals and national days, where sweets and other gifts are exchanged. The BPMs would start with the hoisting of the national flags of both countries which would be saluted by all, following which the delegation leaders would make an address followed by exchange of greetings. Usually, cultural events would also be organised. It is another matter that with the latest impasse, the fate of BPMs is in a limbo as of now.

In the joint lunches, the Chinese spread is diverse. "But the Chinese army took care never to serve us beef as they know its sensitivity among Indians," said another soldier, who had attended many such meetings during his stint at the border.

For the Indian troops stationed at those icy heights, regular food would be supplied during summers, while specially made tinned food would be sent for them during winters.

"Even more than the plummeting temperatures or the lack of oxygen, it was the wind chill factor which made life very difficult. The constantly howling icy cold wind would bite into the bones," the official said.

While the patrolling parties of both armies would comprise teams of seven to 15 soldiers each, there would usually be someone who could translate. With the LAC not clearly demarcated in many areas, BPMs are a mechanism to defuse unwanted situations over frequent transgressions. The local commanders of the two armies meet at five points along the border at Daulat Beg Oldie, Spanngur Gap, Bum-La, Nathu-La and Kibithu (11,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh).