Latest news with #Attari-Wagah
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Adi Kailash yatra halted after landslide blocks key route; find details here
A massive landslide has brought traffic to a complete halt along the Adi Kailash Yatra route in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded and prompting authorities to suspend the pilgrimage temporarily. The landslide blocked the strategic Dharchula-Lipulekh road, a critical segment of the Adi Kailash Yatra route. Triggered by continuous rainfall, the landslide brought down heavy debris and boulders, cutting off access to the remote Himalayan valleys of Darma, Chaudas, and Byas. According to officials, pilgrims and locals have been affected by the roadblock. Many were en route to the sacred Adi Kailash peak, which stands at an elevation of 5,945 m near the Indo-China border. The pilgrimage, which started on May 2, holds deep religious significance in Hindu tradition and attracts thousands of devotees each year. Although numerous teams and large equipment have been sent in by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to remove the debris, the size and quantity of the boulders are making the task challenging. As a precautionary measure, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has also closed a pedestrian suspension bridge between India and Nepal at the Alagad-Badugaon point, fearing further landslides or rockfalls due to ongoing slope-cutting work nearby. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dukung Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma: Mulai Di Sini Limfoma Baca Undo Read more: Top 10 national parks in India ranked by tiger population District authorities have instructed tour operators to halt further pilgrim movement until the road is cleared. While no casualties have been reported, stranded pilgrims have been asked to remain in safe areas, and efforts are being made to provide them with food, shelter, and medical aid. District authorities stated that all necessary agencies are working to restore the blocked road and that efforts are ongoing to provide food, shelter, and medical support to those stranded. Pilgrims have been advised to remain in safe areas until the route is cleared. Read more: Attari-Wagah beating retreat ceremony resumes after 12 days: 2 news changes implemented The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of high-altitude roads in the Himalayas, particularly during pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. Local officials have advised travellers to stay updated through official channels and avoid unnecessary movement in the area until normalcy is restored. The Adi Kailash Yatra is on hold for now, as per the reports, while rescue and road-clearing operations continue, with officials concentrating on safely evacuating stranded people and reopening vital access points. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Pahalgam terror attack: India scales down retreat ceremonies at border points
The border gates of India and Pakistan remained shut during the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari in Amritsar, Hussainiwala in Ferozepur and Sadki in Fazilka on Thursday evening after the BSF 'scaled down' the event in light of the Pahalgam terror attack. At Attari, the Indian parade commander also did not move forward to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart during the ceremony, which took place with closed gates. 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. The BSF said in a statement on X said that a 'calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony' at these borders. '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 said. At Sadki in Fazilka, people on both sides often head to the fence and briefly interact with citizens from the other side, sometimes taking photographs. From Thursday, though, people attending the retreat ceremony had to return to the stands immediately after the event, police in Fazilka said. On Thursday, many visitors came to watch the retreat ceremony at the Joint Check Post (JCP) Attari border, however, the crowd gathered didn't give any impression of tension between the two countries. Even as women were seen dancing to the tunes of Hindi songs ahead of the flag lowering ceremony, the footfall was less compared to other days. 'Our tourist guide had told us that there may not be any retreat ceremony Thursday. But we are happy that we at least could see a little,' said Abhishek Rana from Rajasthan. Reema Malhotra, who had come from Delhi, said, 'I was surprised to see the dance at the retreat ceremony. I got to know that it is a routine affair. But it should be avoided in the current situation.' According to sources in Pakistan, several Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders who want to return to India have been asked to wait. Sources said that immigration officials have no clarity yet as to whether OCI cardholders would be allowed to enter India.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
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.
