New Delhi: The thaw in Indo-Pak relations is all set to have its impact on the daily sunset parade by BSF (Border Security Force) and Pakistan Rangers at Wagah border, with its tenor being transformed from "aggressive" to "friendly".

Marking a major change in attitudes of the two countries towards each other, the new style of decades-old parade will be put into practice from this month-end.

The two border forces have already started "re-orienting" their personnel involved in the decades-old ritualistic exercise, official sources said today (Apr 4, 2004).

The decision to amend the style was taken at a top-level meeting of BSF and Pakistan Rangers in Lahore last week after the Indian side made a proposal in this regard keeping in view improving relations between the two neighbours, they said.

"The aim of reshaping the parade is to do away with aggressive gestures during the ritual undertaken at sunset while closing the gates at the border," they said.

"The unpleasantries are undesirable and do not fit into the original style of the parade undertaken as per the traditional practice when the forces used to lower the flags of the respective sides and beat the retreat at sunset after day's fighting to honour ceasefire and martyrs," they said.

As per the mutual agreement, the "objectionable gestures" in the parade would be removed so that the other side is not offended, the sources said, adding "the aim is to make it more dignified so that the spirit behind the drill is fulfilled".

Noting that some "aggressive gestures" had often been leading to rise in tempers of the personnel deployed at the border, the sources said the matter was being considered by the Indian Government for last four months after announcement of ceasefire.

"However, it took some time to work out the modalities and get mutual approval after thorough consultations," they said, adding the personnel deployed for such duties will have to rehearse the new style before it is put to use.

Other significant decisions taken at the meeting included the agreement of the two sides to quickly respond to each other's complaints and call flag meetings to address these.

The two forces also decided to facilitate return of those people who inadvertently cross the border.