Two days after Pakistan failed to respond to Indian greetings on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha festival, the border security forces of both the countries failed to observe the traditional exchange of sweets on the occasion of Pakistan’s 72nd Independence Day (14 August) celebrations, the New Indian Express reported. The daily Beating of the Retreat ceremony was however performed by large numbers of soldiers on both sides of the border.
Tensions have risen between Delhi and Islamabad ever since India revoked a controversial article of the Indian Constitution (Article 370) that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status last week.
Amid protests from opposition parties, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government also divided the state into two federally administered territories.
Objecting to the move, Islamabad retaliated by scaling down diplomatic relations with New Delhi and suspended trade and communication links. It has also lodged a formal complaint with the UN Security Council, claiming that India was in violation of UN Resolutions.
New Delhi’s move on Kashmir has also drawn attention internationally.
On 10 August, Russia came out in full support of New Delhi’s move to revoke Article 370 (special status of Jammu and Kashmir). In doing so, Moscow became the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to formally state the “abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter for India.” Russia’s position was seen as a boost for India.
China, however, has expressed its concern over India’s decision to withdraw the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir.
US President Donald Trump made clear on Monday (12 August) that his offer of mediation on Kashmir was no longer on the table.
Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since the countries gained freedom from British rule in 1947. Both countries govern only part of the region but claim it in full.
