Retreat Ceremony resumes after 13-day at Hussainiwala amid tense Indo-Pak relations
Ferozepur, May 21, 2025: The Retreat Ceremony at the historic Hussainiwala Joint Check Post (JCP) resumed after a 13-day hiatus following Operation Sindoor. On its reopening day, members of the media were invited to witness the high-octane drill by the Border Security Force (BSF) — a display meant to boost morale and signal resilience.
While a limited number of spectators were seen in the visitors' gallery, the lingering tension between India and Pakistan was evident. Unlike the customary practice, the ceremonial gates at the zero line remained closed, and no handshakes were exchanged between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers. The national flags were lowered with full protocol, but without the traditional cross-border steps, underscoring the strained bilateral atmosphere.
Despite these constraints, the ceremony came alive with the thunderous synchronized footwork of the BSF jawans, who once again showcased their unmatched discipline and spirit, drawing cheers with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." Dressed impeccably in their khaki uniforms, the jawans infused the event with pride and patriotism.
BSF officials clarified that the retreat ceremony will be thrown open to the general public from tomorrow. They stated that current restrictions, including the sealed gates and absence of cross-border movement during the ceremony, were temporary and precautionary. Once the situation stabilizes, standard ceremonial drills, including coordinated flag-lowering and symbolic gate exchanges, will resume.
The reopening of the retreat ceremony marks a step toward restoring normalcy at the border, even as diplomatic tensions persist.