No handshakes with Pakistan at border retreat ceremonies, says BSF
The Border Security Force (BSF) announced Thursday that the retreat ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki borders with Pakistan in Punjab will continue to take place, but in a scaled-down manner.
In a statement on its account on X, BSF said that in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, a 'calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony' at these borders with Pakistan.
'The key changes include: Suspension of the symbolic handshake of the Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander. Gates to remain closed during the ceremony. This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist,' the statement added.
India has already announced that the Integrated Check Post at the border in Attari will be closed after the terror attack at Pahalgam. It has also asked all Pakistani nationals to leave the country by April 27 and those on medical visas by April 29.
The Attari-Wagah border retreat ceremony is a daily ritual performed between India and Pakistan. Conducted by BSF and Pakistan Rangers since 1959, it involves synchronised marches, high kicks, and flag-lowering before sunset, attracting up to 25,000 to 50,000 spectators daily.
Historically, the ceremony was toned down in 2010 for less hostility, included a handshake, and featured traditions like exchanging sweets during Eid and Diwali. Similar ceremonies occur at other border points like Hussainiwala near Ferozepur and Sadki near Fazilka in Punjab but Attari is the most prominent.
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