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India once again refrained from exchanging sweets with Pakistan Rangers on Diwali, following a directive from the Union Home Ministry that instructed the Border Security Force (BSF) to avoid the traditional gesture this year.
No sweets were exchanged at the Rajasthan border posts along Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer, where BSF personnel are stationed.
For decades, Indian and Pakistani troops have observed the practice of sharing sweets and greetings during major national and religious festivals such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Holi, Diwali, and Eid, a symbolic act of goodwill and mutual respect.
However, this custom remains halted after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people lost their lives.
The attack, carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow, prompted the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a firmer stance against Islamabad’s anti-India activities.
The authorities suspended the tradition on Independence Day, August 15, and have now extended the suspension to Diwali.
A senior security official stated that New Delhi’s message to Pakistan is clear:
“As long as cross-border terrorism continues, such symbolic gestures will remain suspended.”
The BSF and Pakistan Rangers have long treated the sweet exchange as a small but meaningful gesture to promote peace and camaraderie.
On previous occasions, such as Meethi Eid, Eid al-Adha, and Diwali, soldiers from both sides would meet at the border’s zero point to exchange trays of sweets. But this Diwali, the Rajasthan frontier remained quiet.
There were no handshakes or smiles, only increased vigilance, reflecting India’s firm policy that peace overtures cannot coexist with terrorism.
“After August 15th, India continues its no-sweets policy amid rising cross-border tensions,” officials confirmed.
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