look news india
The border line between India and China and its geographical conditions have always been a subject of keen interest for strategists, defense experts and common citizens around the world. Whenever there is talk of India’s security preparedness on the Himalayan borders, the high mountains and inaccessible roads of Arunachal Pradesh come to mind first. In this context, ‘Bum La Pass’, located at a very high altitude of about 15,000 feet above sea level, near the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC), is one of the most strategic and sensitive border points of the country. This historic pass located in Tawang district is not only an extremely strong bastion of India’s security, but it is also one of the few places from where the most harsh and supernatural forms of nature as well as the bravery of the Indian Army can be felt very closely.
Located about 37 kilometers from Tawang city of Arunachal Pradesh, Bum La Pass is located on the border between India and Tibet (China). Geographically, this area is covered with a thick sheet of snow for most of the months of the year, where the oxygen level is very low and the temperature drops to several degrees below zero. Historically this route has been used for trade and transportation for centuries.
This area witnessed a major battlefield during the India-China war of 1962, where Indian soldiers displayed immense courage even in adverse circumstances. Today, this pass is also used as a Border Personal Meeting (BPM) point between the two countries, where officers of both the armies meet from time to time to maintain mutual harmony and peace.
Being deployed at an altitude of 15,000 feet may be unimaginable for any common man, but the brave soldiers of the Indian Army remain ready round the clock to protect the country’s borders in this difficult geographical situation in every season. The morale of the soldiers does not waver even amidst severe cold, heavy snowfall and snow storms. Tourists and officials visiting Bum La Pass also have to take special precautions due to the thin air and low oxygen here. The Indian Army has not only greatly strengthened its strategic position here, but has also made the country’s security line invincible by developing infrastructure in the border areas.
After the Arunachal Pradesh Government and Tourism Department eased access to the border areas over the last few years, Bum La Pass has become a major attraction for tourists and country lovers from across the country. When the tourists coming here bow their heads at the ‘War Memorial’ built by the army and listen to the stories of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, the feeling of respect and patriotism for the country automatically starts stirring in their hearts. Every tourist coming to Tawang considers visiting this inaccessible and historical pass as the biggest pride of his journey, because this place reminds us of the hard work and sacrifice of our brave soldiers hidden behind our peace and security.
Keeping in mind the modern geopolitics and security scenario, the Government of India has given the highest priority to the development of border infrastructure. The roads leading to Bum La Pass are being developed as all-weather roads, so that in case of any emergency, heavy military vehicles and logistics supplies can reach on time without any hindrance.
This area is a symbol of the fact that India is fully capable and alert to protect its communalism and borders. The tricolor fluttering at a height of 15,000 feet gives the message that even the most inaccessible mountains bow before the unwavering resolve of the Indian Army, and Bum La Pass is such a pillar of our unbreakable security system that the entire country is proud of.