The beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border check post between India and Pakistan has been canceled ahead of the return of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.
Amritsar deputy commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon pilot Abhinandan is “more important than the retreat ceremony”.
Hundreds of people have gathered at the Attari border in Amritsar since the morning today with drums, garlands, and flags to receive Wing Commander Varthaman. The toll has only increased since the news of his release spread
The BSF, which mans the checkpost and the 553-km International Border with Pakistan in Punjab, is on high alert. Punjab Police and other security agencies stationed additional personnel in the area since Friday morning.
Pakistan was allegedly under pressure by the UAE, UK and US to de-escalate tension and military action.
The 35-year-old Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was flying the MiG-21 Bison that shot down the PAF F-16 in the aerial engagement with Pakistan on Wednesday morning.
India lost MiG-21 Bison in which Wg Cmdr Abhi. was present. As the aircraft lost its control, it crashed on the other side of the LoC. Mr. Abhinandan landed via a parachute and hurt his back. Ever since the Pakistani troop caught hold of the 35-year-old pilot, he was held captive but later on Thursday evening, Imran Khan announced that he will be released as a “peace gesture” by Pakistan.
The beating retreat ceremony at Attari, 30 km from Amritsar has an energetic and patriotic flavour to it. It is conducted jointly by BSF trooperson the Attari side (in India) and Pakistan Rangers on the Wagah side (in Pakistan) every evening before sunset.
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