Amritsar, April 24: In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has shut down operations at the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), significantly altering daily routines at the Indo-Pak border.
Despite the closure of the iconic gates at the Attari-Wagah border, daily ceremonies continued—albeit separately on both sides. Punjab Police Protocol Officer Arun Mahal confirmed that while the traditional joint retreat parade was suspended, ceremonies were still conducted independently by Indian and Pakistani forces.
Speaking to ANI, Mahal stated that 28 Pakistani nationals departed via the Attari border, while 105 Indian citizens returned from Pakistan. “The Government of India has taken strong measures in light of recent events. Though the gates at the ICP were not opened, the parade was conducted on each side independently,” he said, noting a noticeable dip in tourist numbers due to the heightened security situation.
The Border Security Force (BSF) also announced a scaling back of its ceremonial displays at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki. Among the most symbolic changes is the suspension of the traditional handshake between Indian and Pakistani guards. Going forward, the border gates will remain shut during the retreat ceremony as a mark of solemnity and security.
These decisions follow a brutal terrorist attack on Tuesday at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, where 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen lost their lives, and several others were injured. It marks one of the most devastating attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 CRPF personnel.
