Historic Attari-Wagah corridor closed with immediate effect

NEW DELHI: Closing down the historic Wagah-Attari border in Punjab will severely damage India-Pakistan relations. The border is famous for the parade of troops that lowers the national flag and closes the border gates every day at 5 p.m.

The ceremony at the Wagah border is considered a measure of the strength and patriotism on both sides. Hundreds of people come every day to watch the parade, which is performed with chest-beating jingoism and unmatched fervour.

This is also the route chosen by Indians and Pakistanis to visit relatives on both sides of the border. The indefinite closure of the gate, through which trucks carrying goods, including vegetables and spices, regularly pass, will also affect trade.