The move by BSF comes at a time when calls are growing louder on social media asking the Indian government to suspend the ceremony altogetherread moreIndia’s Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday (April 24) significantly scaled down the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari–Wagah Border. The move, taken in view of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, comes a day after India ordered the shutdown of the Attari border.The Beating Retreat ceremony is a daily event that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADThe BSF in a statement said a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremony.It said the symbolic handshake between the Indian Guard Commander and their Pakistani counterparts has been suspended now.More from India
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Pahalgam attack: How gunfight in Kulgam between TRF top commander and security forces is unfoldingAlso, the gates of the crossing will now remain closed during the ceremony.The BSF stated, “The key changes include suspension of the symbolic handshake of Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander and 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.Earlier, several media reports signalled that New Delhi may suspend the ceremony in view of the terror attack.The move by BSF comes at a time when calls are growing louder on social media asking the Indian government to suspend the ceremony altogether.One user wrote on X, “For Godsake, end this beating retreat ceremony at Wagah-Attari border NOW! This is a mockery of not just the Indian Security Forces who have laid down life for the nation fighting Pakistani terrorists, but also civilians brutally killed by Pakistan deep state.”A second user wrote: “This Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah Border should be stopped. There’s no need for celebration or showmanship at a border where tension and loss have existed for decades.”STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADEnd of Article

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‘No handshake with Pak commander:’ Beating Retreat Ceremony scaled down amid calls of suspension