New Delhi: In a major shift from tradition, there will be no Beating The Retreat Ceremony at Wagah border on Republic Day this year due to COVID-19. Both Pakistan and India have been doing a joint parade for the benefit of the spectators on both sides for years.
“No joint or coordinated parade this year at Attari border on Republic Day. No public will be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions. India will conduct flag-lowering as per daily schedule,” a Border Security Force (BSF) senior official was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express (TNIE).
The public has not been allowed at the border since March 7. TNIE quoted sources as saying that Pakistan has allowed public, as they are seen from the Indian side.
The report quoted BSF sources as saying that a meeting is scheduled this week to decide what can be done on Republic Day.
