KATHMANDU, May 21: India resumed its daily border ceremony with Pakistan, known as the 'Beating Retreat,' on Tuesday. Authorities had suspended the ceremony on May 9 following heightened military tensions triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22.
Under 'Operation Sindoor,' Indian forces claimed they destroyed nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan launched counterattacks.
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India launched its attack after terrorists killed 26 people in Pahalgam, including one Nepali national. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, while Pakistan rejected the allegations and called for an impartial investigation. The accusations further strained relations between the two nations.
According to the Border Security Force (BSF), the ceremony resumed on Tuesday evening at the joint check posts of Attari-Wagah, Hussainiwala, and Sadki in Punjab. The authorities opened the ceremony to the general public starting Wednesday (today).
This time, officials have conducted the ceremony in a more restrained manner. BSF and Pakistan Rangers avoided the traditional handshake, and both sides kept the border gates closed. Pakistan, however, claimed it never halted the ceremony and said its troops continued marching on their side.
Since 1959, the Attari-Wagah border ceremony has drawn tourists with its dramatic military displays. The border, established in 1947 following the end of British rule, divided the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan. Despite persistent diplomatic and military tensions, both countries have continued the ritual for decades.
