Enthusiastic spectators enjoying the retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala JCP.
Ferozepur, September 3, 2014: When you hear the thunderous voice of tapping feet, tearing apart the widespread eerie silence ended with clapping and shouting of thrilled rabbles, you could be at only one place that is Hussainiwala JCP where BSF sentinels try to match every step with their Pakistani counterpart Pakistani Rangers at the Retreat Ceremony.
Hundreds of people from both sides reach to Hussainiwala to boost the morale of their “Seema Preharis”. A visit to Hussainiwala is an integral part of everyone’s journey that comes to historical city of Ferozepur and after the thrilling experience, everyone feels proud to be a part of it.
People from both sides love the glare, aggression and hostile gestures made by these jawans, who spend their day and night to protect their motherland. The hostility between the two nations has been a part of their affairs since both were originated. Though, the BSF officials maintain that the aggressive postures are the part of the drill and are well rehearsed but it evokes a kind of hatred among the crowd that the crowd from both sides which sometimes take ugly shape.
The crowd from both sides, shouts and clap louder and louder, competing with each other with the proceedings of retreat ceremony. With the last note of buglers, the ceremony folds up amidst thunderous applause by the audience from the both sides. The sentinels from both nations maintain accurate precision while lowering their respective National Flags. The enthusiastic crowds on either side slowly make their way to home but not before having a glance to look at the people from the other side and having a photograph with BSF Jawans to relive their memories.
There are people who have witnessed this drill hundred times but still feel as thrilled and overjoyed as they had witnessed the first time. Rajiv Sharma, who works as a teacher says that he has been coming to the Hussainiwala JCP since his childhood days and still feel the thunder in his veins after watching the ceremony. “Whenever my relatives come to Ferozepur, I come here with whole family to experience that sparkling thrill”, he says.
The Hussainiwala Border was one of the trade routes between India and Pakistan prior to the 1971 war when it was closed down. The demand for reopening the border had taken a great hit with the Modi Government’s decision to close all talks with Pakistan after Pakistan’s continued shelling on the Line of Control at J&K.