SGPC steps back, Ferozepur society to send jatha to Pak

AMRITSAR: With the denial of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to grant official permission to the SGPC for sending its delegation to Pakistan, enthusiasts have opted for other organisations to go across the border to commemorate the 178th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 21

With the denial of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to grant official permission to the SGPC for sending its delegation to Pakistan, enthusiasts have opted for other organisations to go across the border to commemorate the 178th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) maintained that there was no constraint on the visa facility for pilgrims from Pakistan. The ETPB with the help of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) has made elaborate arrangements of boarding and food for the devotees from India.

Ferozepur-based International Bhai Mardana Yadgari Kirtan Darbar Society is facilitating the trip of at least 240 Sikh pilgrims.

Society president Harpal Singh Bhullar said the jatha would leave on June 28 by a special train from the Attari railway station for the ceremony scheduled to be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 29.

“We have procured visas for 240 pilgrims without any hitch. We were in touch with the ETPB who assured all assistance,” he said.

The root cause appears to be the Nanakshahi Calendar row. The PSGPC observe “gurpurbs” as per the original Nanakshahi calendar, whereas the SGPC follows its amended version.

Incidentally, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi had even denied visas to another SGPC delegation that wished to visit Pakistan on the Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev on May 29, as it didn’t match the calendar followed in Pakistan.

SGPC’s chief secretary Harcharan Singh said the MEA was reluctant to give clearance. “The MEA had specified that the SGPC should submit an undertaking that the jatha members will go to Pakistan at their own risk. Ultimately, we decided to cancel the trip. Those who still wish to go can do so at their own risk,” he added.

Meanwhile, ETBP chairman Sadiq-ul-Fareek, in a press release, stated that Sikh devotees were being scared falsely in the name of deteriorated security concerns. “Around 150 visas have already been issued and another lot of 65 visas and more will be granted in a day or two. The Sikh pilgrims are welcome in Pakistan,” he said.