Beating retreat at Attari-Wagah border stalled indefinitely

AMRITSAR: Govt suspended Wednesday the daily Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border in Punjab, reports Yudhvir Rana. The ceremony, known for its synchronised flag-lowering display and theatrical rivalry between BSF and Pakistan Rangers, has been called off until further notice.The daily event saw a drop in visitors following the terrorist attack in Kashmir. On April 24, BSF closed the border gates and halted the customary handshake and coordinated marching drill shared with Pakistan Rangers, marking the beginning of reduced ceremonial protocol."The crowd has decreased after Pahalgam attack, and there is a heightened security risk after Operation Sindoor. Hence, we decided to suspend the high-kicking parade," a BSF officer said. "Flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies will take place in a simple fashion."