Friday, March 29, 2024

Sikh jathas finally get Centre’s nod to visit shrines in Pakistan

Date:

Amritsar, Oct 28: The Sikh jatha (group of Sikh pilgrims) that was earlier denied permission from the Centre to go to Pakistan twice, finally got a nod for the visit on Saturday.

Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan-based Sikh shrines including Nankana Sahib, birth place of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, on a special pilgrim visa for which the Ministry of External affairs (MEA) sends a recommendation to the Pakistan High Commission in India.

However, on two previous occasions — martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in June — the MEA did not send the list of Sikh pilgrims to the Pakistan High Commission as tension prevailed at the border.

The Centre, citing security concerns, told Sikh jathas that they could visit Pakistan at their own risk on ordinary visas. Notably, special security arrangements are made for those on a pilgrim visa in Pakistan.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which sends the biggest Sikh jatha to Sikh shrines in Pakistan on special occasions, opted not to send any jatha, while some other Sikh organisations went ahead and sent jathas on ordinary visas. However, latter got disappointed as they could not do so because the Indian authorities did not allow the special train from Pakistan to enter India.

On both occasions, Sikh pilgrims were left stranded at the Attari railway station.“We have been told to collect passports of Sikh pilgrims with pilgrim visas,” SGPC secretary Roop Singh said.

News Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com

Discussions

Discussions

Punjabi Khurki
Punjabi Khurki
Punjab is no longer just a state but a State of Mind: A way to live!! ...So Let's Burrraaah with Punjabi Khurki!

Share post:

Subscribe

Advertisementspot_img
Advertisementspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

ED chief Sanjay Mishra gets tenure extension from SC till September 15

New Delhi, July 27: The Supreme Court on Thursday...

Patiala tops list of villages hit by recent floods; 27,286 evacuations carried out

Chandigarh, July 27: The State Government machinery has been...

Mann slams Modi govt, seeks President’s Rule in Manipur

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, July 27: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant...

All pet shops, dog breeders in Punjab be registered with Animal Welfare Board

Chandigarh, July 27: In a bid to ensure the...