Historic No Handshakes: BSF Troops and Pakistani Rangers Resurrectes Majestic Beating Retreat Ceremony at Attari
The handshakes between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistani Rangers have been suspended, coinciding with the resumption of the beating retreat ceremony at the Punjab Frontier’s joint check post in Attari. This ceremony had been temporarily halted earlier due to Operation Sindoor, a military response by India following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that targeted Indian security forces.
On May 8, the BSF restricted public access to the retreat ceremony, emphasizing “public safety” after India successfully neutralized nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as part of its operations. The ceremonial lowering of the Indian flag takes place daily at the joint check posts situated in Attari, opposite Pakistan’s Wagah, as well as in Hussainiwala and Sadki within Punjab.
Key modifications to the ceremony protocol include the cessation of the symbolic handshake between the Indian Guard Commander and their Pakistani counterpart. Previously, the gates at the border would be opened, allowing for a joint parade. However, during this ceremony, the gates will remain closed, and the tradition of exchanging sweets or gifts on special occasions will also be discontinued, as reported by PTI.
Earlier this month, the BSF had announced a scaling back of the ceremonial display at the retreat ceremonies in Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki. The force stated via their official social media platform X, “In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, a calibrated decision has been taken to downscale the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki in Punjab.”
Adding to the developments, a multi-party delegation led by JD (U) MP Sanjay Jha departed for Japan to articulate India’s stance on the ongoing terrorism issues emanating from Pakistan. The delegation’s itinerary also includes visits to South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, as part of India’s diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor and the increased tensions with Pakistan. This diverse group includes prominent figures such as BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brijlal, Pradhan Barua, and Hemang Joshi, alongside Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M)’s John Brittas, and former ambassador Mohan Kumar.
The diplomatic efforts highlight India’s proactive response in addressing regional security concerns while navigating delicate relationships in a volatile geopolitical landscape. As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on how these dynamics unfold at the border and on India’s international diplomatic front.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/no-handshakes-as-bsf-troops-pakistani-rangers-resume-beating-retreat-ceremony-at-attari-11747833732256.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-21 19:31:00
