As diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan unravel following the recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, tensions have spilled over to the Wagah-Attari border, where the traditional retreat ceremony has taken on a more charged and emotional tone, reads a DAWN post.
On Sunday, a scaled-down version of the daily flag-lowering ritual was held without the customary handshake between troops, while the symbolic ‘Friendship Gate’ remained mostly shut. The breakdown in relations was also evident in the unusual sight of citizens crossing the border even as the ceremony was underway—something typically restricted due to security protocols.
A rush of Indian and Pakistani nationals has been seen at the crossing, driven by the impending May 1 visa expiry. Over the past four days, more than 800 Indians have returned from Pakistan, while nearly 700 Pakistanis have crossed back from India. On Sunday alone, 236 Pakistanis and 115 Indians made the journey home. Authorities on both sides have permitted crossings up to the last moments before the gate’s closure for the day.
Security forces continue to conduct thorough checks before allowing passage, while those arriving from India are not permitted to speak to the media. Meanwhile, visitors on both sides of the border, gathered for the ceremony, have turned out in full patriotic fervor, shouting slogans, waving flags, and applauding the soldiers with heightened emotion.
Despite limited space due to construction on the Pakistani side, the crowd's energy remained high. "I came to see the spirit of our soldiers. It’s clear the public is fully behind them," said Sikandar Sultan, a visitor from Lahore.
Ali Asad, attending with friends, noted an unusually intense atmosphere. “It feels more passionate this time. Everyone is deeply involved,” he said, adding that dialogue—not war—remains the only viable solution.
Across the border, Indian spectators echoed similar sentiments. Simarjeet Singh, 17, from Amritsar, described the scene as electric. “Everyone, from different places and walks of life, came together cheering for our country and troops,” he told AFP.
KT Ramesh, 57, who traveled from Kerala, added that even a scaled-down version of the retreat was powerful. “The passion was real. And yes, there’s anger—people are demanding a response.”
Even with foreign tourists present, the ceremony now reflects more than just military tradition. As relations remain tense and nationalistic sentiment grows, the Wagah-Attari ritual has become a mirror of the conflict itself: proud, theatrical, and deeply personal.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
