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Viewers gallery to be set up at Wagah check-post

A viewers' gallery at Wagah joint check-post would be constructed so that the ' retreat ceremony' could be witnessed by local people and tourists visiting this post.

Deputy commissioner Narinderjit Singh said today that Union Home Minister L K Advani will lay the foundation stone of this gallery on March 6 at a public function, to be presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

He said Rs 13.8 million has been sanctioned by the Union home ministry for this project, which included construction of the gallery, quarter guard and entrance gate. Construction would be done by the CPWD, he added.

The joint check-post was the only authorised land route between India and Pakistan where 'retreat ceremony' is held by Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers every evening.

Due to limited space available at the post, BSF authorities were finding it difficult to accommodate the people who come to witness the 'retreat ceremony'.

The gallery would have arrangements for the viewers to sit comfortably and watch the ceremony with due dignity and decorum, Singh said.

UNI

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