Beating retreat event at Attari scaled down

The ceremonial display by the Border Security Force (BSF) at the retreat ceremony along the India-Pakistan border at Attari, Hussainwala and Sadki in Punjab was scaled down on Thursday against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack.

- Prawesh Lama

NEW DELHI:

The force said in a statement that border gates will remain closed during the event and the symbolic handshake between the two forces will be suspended. "This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist," a BSF statement said.

The symbolic handshake between the guard commanders of BSF and Pakistan Rangers, along with the opening of the gates every evening before sunset was the highlight of the ceremony that existed since 1959 at Attari. The joint ceremony by the two forces were started at the other two points in later years.