Border courtesy continues between BSF, Pakistan Rangers
2
Amritsar: Even as
Operation Sindoor
remains on hold, an unwritten understanding continues between India's Border Security Force (
BSF
) and the
Pakistan Rangers
, reflecting mutual respect for rank and established border decorum.
This courtesy persists even as the border gates between the two countries remain closed under the operation.
At joint check posts (JCPs) in Punjab, where the two borders are separated by mere feet, junior officers or personnel customarily salute or come to attention upon encountering a senior-ranking official from the other side. This practice is most evident during patrols, security reviews, and joint meetings between the two forces.
Referring to his recent visit to the Hussainiwala post, inspector general (IG) BSF, Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele said, "When I visited the Hussainiwala JCP, officers on the Pakistan side saluted me." He added that the gesture is reciprocal, with junior Indian officers also saluting senior-ranking Pakistani officers. According to him, this is part of a long-standing traditional border protocol observed by both forces.
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Former IG BSF, Punjab Frontier, MS Malhi, said that although it may seem surprising that forces prepared to confront each other show respect for rank, this tradition of mutual courtesy continues despite the suspension of Operation Sindoor. He explained that this is a standard border practice, as personnel interact daily. Regardless of nationality, junior officers show respect to senior officers based on rank, which is universally recognised.
Since the rank badges, dating back to British colonial times, are similar on both sides, personnel can easily identify and acknowledge each other's rank. "It is simply a routine gesture of respect," he said.
Another former IG BSF, Punjab Frontier, Himmat Singh, added that junior officers mostly salute seniors during official meetings. "But sometimes, out of traditional border courtesy, the junior officials come to attention on seeing a senior officer of the other country," he said.
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