by HAROON SIDDIQUE
“Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform during the ‘Beating The Retreat’ ceremony at the border crossing.” PHOTO/Raminder Pal Singh/EPA
The goose-stepping ritual that marks the daily closure of the Pakistan-India border has come to represent the hostilities between the two countries over the past five decades.
So the news that the ceremony’s aggressive moves, which feature heavily mustachioed troops from both sides high-kicking to the sounds of trumpets, are to be “toned down” is being widely welcomed.
Guardian for more
(Thanks to Robin Khundkar. His comment: “I am glad this idiotic ceremony is being toned down.”