The Retreat ceremony at the Wagah border, famous for its aggressive ceremonial theatrics between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers, could soon have women soldiers doing this exercise.
In a move to strengthen the role of women in its force the BSF has planned that once in every month an all-women contingent ceremony could be held at Wagah. The BSF is going to discuss the issue with high officials of the Pakistan Rangers in their next meeting going to be held soon.
With the view to increase women participation, the BSF is planning to involve more women in border duties to increase their role in the force. Women were recruited into the BSF in 2009 or the first time and till now female constables were restricted to do the job of frisking women spectators at the ceremony. Since last year, the BSF deployed four female guards and made them part of the ceremony as pilots. The two female guards used to open the ceremony as they walk through the parade arena and station near the joint check-post.
Gaining ground world over, the famous retreat ceremony has emerged as major tourist attraction. Keeping this in view, the BSF is planning the experiment to introduce an entire contingent of women personnel to perform the ceremony. The BSF official said that initial experiment of making women part of the ceremony received a huge public response.
They say that as women are performing active duties on the Indo-Pakistan border, there is no reason why they should not perform the retreat ceremony. Also, according to the government policy the role of women in the armed forces is set to increase, officials feel.