The ceremonial beating retreat held every evening at the Attari-Wagah border between Pakistan and India will soon be performed by women soldiers, Times of India reported on Tuesday.
India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers have agreed to have women platoon commanders take part in the daily flag-lowering ceremony, a tradition that has taken place between the two countries since 1959 and features a perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations’ flags, preceded by a brazen parade performed by infantrymen of both countries. Initially, Indian women platoon commanders would conduct the drill and Pakistan Rangers would follow.
The female platoon commanders are expected to begin taking part in the ceremony only after they are trained to be perfectly synchronised with each other, the mirroring being an integral part of the entire performance.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2012.
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I despise this exercise. This is not entertainment, its a show where you are taught to be angry with your neighbour. Indian Army wanted to scrap this event, but the Indian politicians wanted this to continue.
I abhor this exercise.
But, if its going to continue, then introducing Women to the drill is fair. They represent 50% of India's population, they have every right to be represented. India is not an Islamic country to hide its women under the garb of Religious diktat.
India doesn't need to hate Pakistan; Pakistan has nothing India wants or desires except peace. India should unilaterally withdraw from this exercise.
Good news! Finally the soldiers will march properly without raising their feet to shoulder level.
Seriously whats happening ? I find this pomp and show / ceremony usless . Kindly deploy your energies some where productive.
Jamat Islami should launch a nationwide campaign against this.
@Diva: What is MCP..? Please inform.
Prestigious display of eye ball to eye ball emotions and great demonstration of drill is going to convert into scratchy screams; viewers may end up having thoughts of sitting outside labor room.
Forward thinking by both militaries. Commendable step.
@ Riaz Khan.....Yes they would be in Hijab but not the face covering veil. As this is the uniform of the women in Army, Airforce and Rangers.
@ARK: May be to attract more crowd!
What about Pakistani side? Will they would be in Hijab?
Well i really enjoy the news....may India want to do some more experiments with the borders!!!!!!
Hope, they won't see each others' MAKE UPs & UNIFORMS.
What is the objective of this ?