DHAKA: India and Pakistan have suspended a daily military ritual on their main land border crossing after a suicide attack that killed dozens of people, the first time the colourful parade has been called off since the two countries went to war in 1971.

India’s home ministry said the country’s Border Security Force (BSF) agreed to a Pakistani request to suspend the flag-lowering ceremony to allow mourning.

At least 45 people were killed and more than 100 wounded on Sunday by the explosion that ripped through a carpark about 500 metres from Pakistan’s border gate just as hundreds of people left the popular daily performance.

Every day, thousands of Indians and Pakistanis flock to watch the elaborate show where border security officials kick their feet high and grimace in mock aggression in a peacock-like display of patriotism.

BDST: 1600 HRS, NOV 03, 2014