Border Retreat Ceremony Reopens to Public; Punjab Farmers Regain Access to Fields
Indicating a cautious easing of restrictions following a period of heightened regional tensions, the Border Security Force (BSF) has resumed public viewing for the beating retreat ceremony at key India-Pakistan border points in Punjab, including Attari. Concurrently, farmers in the region have been permitted to access their agricultural lands situated across the barbed-wire border fence after more than three weeks of limitations.
Controlled Retreat Ceremony Resumes
The daily flag-lowering ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check post, as well as at Hussainiwala and Sadki, was reopened to the public starting Wednesday, May 21st, after being suspended for public viewing since May 8th due to "public safety" concerns following "Operation Sindoor." While the flag-lowering drill by BSF personnel continued daily without an audience, Tuesday's ceremony was initially held for media personnel only. However, due to a significant gathering of visitors at Attari on Tuesday, the public was also allowed. It was observed that the ceremony proceeded with modifications reflecting the current sensitive environment: there were no customary handshakes between BSF troops and Pakistani Rangers, and the international gates on both sides remained closed during the flag-lowering process.
Farmers Access their Farmlands near Border
The BSF has also lifted restrictions on farmers in Punjab's six border districts—Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Amritsar—accessing nearly 21,600 acres of their agricultural land located between the border fence and the International Border. These restrictions were unofficially in place since late April, following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent capture of a BSF jawan by Pakistan Rangers, before intensifying during the recent India-Pakistan military standoff.
While farmers have welcomed the decision, particularly with the paddy transplantation season approaching from June 1st, some work, like collecting wheat straw vital for cattle fodder, remains pending. Concerns persist about whether sufficient time will be allocated by the BSF under its strict security protocols (which include kisan guards accompanying tractors and limited daily access hours) to complete all necessary agricultural activities.
The resumption of public access to the retreat ceremony, albeit with a more restrained protocol, and the permission for farmers to tend to their lands across the border fence, are steps towards restoring normalcy along the Punjab border. These developments are being closely watched by local communities as they navigate the agricultural calendar amidst an ongoing, albeit currently calmer, security situation.
