Kamal Ghorui
AMRITSAR : The fallout of the Pahalgam terrorist incident, which claimed 26 innocent lives, continues to reshape India-Pakistan relations, with the international border in Punjab remaining largely shut even a year later. Triggered by heightened security concerns and followed by Operation Sindoor, the restrictions have disrupted long-standing cross-border traditions, halted trade, and altered the daily retreat ceremony at the Attari , Hussaini and Sadiqui international borders in Punjab.Following the launch of Operation Sindoor last year, India imposed a series of strict measures along the international border, including the closure of gates at the Attari border and other crossing points. The customary handshake between personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF ) and the Pakistan Rangers has been suspended. Even symbolic gestures, such as the exchange of sweets on national festivals like Independence Day and Diwali, have been discontinued.Interestingly, even as Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, facilitating ceasefire efforts and diplomatic engagement between the two nations, it has made no visible effort to de-escalate tensions with India or push for the reopening of the border. This contrast has raised questions in political , bureaucratic circles, especially as bilateral ties with India remain frozen despite its active diplomatic role on the global stage.The impact is also visible at the daily Beating the Retreat ceremony. While the parade continues to attract crowds, the border gates now remain closed throughout. The BSF and Pakistan Rangers carry out their drills strictly on their respective sides, eliminating the coordinated interaction that once defined the ceremony. Despite this, visitors continue to gather in large numbers to witness the high-energy display of synchronised marching, aggressive posturing and high kicks.Trade between the two countries has come to a complete standstill. During the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, the strandard Afghan trade trucks were allowed to cross the border , but this too has now been stopped. However, persons holding valid visas and passports are still permitted to return to their respective countries.The closure has also impacted religious travel, with the Kartarpur Corridor remaining shut. Sikh organisations have repeatedly demanded its reopening, highlighting its importance for pilgrims wishing to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan However, special permission was granted to two Sikh jathas — first on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in Nov 2025, and second on the occasion of Baisakhi in 2026 — to cross the border. No similar movement has been allowed for Muslim or Hindu groups for religious travel.Initially, visitor numbers at Attari dipped sharply following the closure of the gates. However, over time, footfall has gradually returned to normal, as people continue to visit the tourists places like Amritsar, on way to Jammu , Kashmir and Katra, Dalhousie in Himachal pradesh etc. and visit Attari to witness the ceremony — now more a display of military assertion than a symbol of cross-border camaraderie.Meanwhile, the Civil Defence, Amritsar, will hold an Air Raid/Blackout mock exercise on April 24 at 8pm.
