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No sweet exchanges on LoC, IB on Eid

Early Times Report

Jammu, Mar 21: In a clear reflection of the prevailing strain in relations between India and Pakistan, the customary exchange of sweets between troops along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) was not conducted today on the auspicious occasion of Eid.
The custom of exchanging sweets has been suspended this year following heightened tensions in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack.
The decision marks a departure from a long-standing tradition that symbolized goodwill and served as a rare confidence-building measure between the border forces of the two countries, particularly during festivals such as Diwali and Eid, as well as on national occasions like Independence Day.
Highly placed sources said that the suspension of these ceremonial exchanges is directly linked to the prevailing security scenario, with Indian agencies maintaining that Pakistan continues to support and facilitate cross-border terrorism. Intelligence inputs regarding possible infiltration attempts and terror activities have prompted security forces to adopt a zero-tolerance approach along the borders.
“In the current environment, operational preparedness and troop vigilance are paramount. Symbolic gestures cannot be prioritised when there are credible threats,” officials said.
The border grid has been placed on heightened alert, with increased deployment, intensified surveillance through night-vision equipment, drones, and ground sensors, and regular area domination patrols. Anti-infiltration measures have also been strengthened along vulnerable stretches of the LoC and IB.
The fallout of Operation Sindoor has further aggravated tensions, leading to a hardening of stance on both sides. While official details of the operation remain limited, it has significantly impacted the already fragile peace along the borders.
Security analysts believe that the absence of goodwill gestures such as sweet exchanges is indicative of a broader diplomatic and military chill, where even symbolic outreach is being reconsidered in light of ground realities.
For decades, the exchange of sweets between troops of India and Pakistan at designated points along the LoC and IB was seen as a moment of harmony and mutual respect, even during periods of tension. These gestures often coincided with religious and national festivals, offering a brief respite from otherwise hostile relations.
However, this year, there have been no such ceremonies at any of the traditional sweet exchange on the border, reflecting the seriousness of the current situation.
Officials said that forces have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock alertness, particularly in sectors that have witnessed infiltration attempts in the past. Additional reinforcements have been deployed in sensitive areas, and coordination among various security agencies has been further strengthened.
Border residents have also been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement, as part of a broader security framework aimed at preventing any untoward incident.
Authorities have made it clear that any resumption of such goodwill gestures will depend entirely on improvement in bilateral relations and the cessation of cross-border hostilities.
“For now, the focus remains on safeguarding the borders and ensuring that any threat is neutralised effectively,” officials added.
The suspension of sweet exchanges, though symbolic, highlights the deepening trust deficit between the two neighbouring countries and underscores the challenging security environment currently prevailing along the borders.