Hopeful of de-escalation, SGPC plans jatha to Pak

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 17

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is all set to organise pilgrimage across the border, amid simmering tension between India and Pakistan.

The SGPC has invited applications for religious tour to Pakistan to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Devotees have been asked to deposit their passports by March 25.

Earlier, the SGPC had given a call for sending a jatha to Pakistan to commemorate “Khalsa Sajana Divas” (Baisakhi) at Gurdwara Panja Sahib for which the requisite documentation process was underway.

SGPC secretary Mohinder Singh Ahali said those who want to be a part of the jatha would have to get their identification documents endorsed by the SGPC member of their area before submitting them along with their passport.

“Along with passport, one has to submit photocopies of Aadhaar card, Voter-ID card and photographs. Passport should be valid till October 13, 2019,” he said.

SGPC chief secretary Dr Roop Singh said preparations were on for sending jatha to Pakistan, but the final decision would be taken by the department concerned in India and Pakistan.

“There is no doubt that the tension has escalated between both the neighbours, but it should not take its toll on religious front. Efforts are being made to facilitate access to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib through a dedicated corridor. However, it has been made clear that it cannot be taken as a platform for resumption of bilateral talks,” he said.

Dr Roop said, “Similarly, on our part, we have been preparing religious tour to Pakistan. Passports were collected for Baisakhi. Devotees have been asked to deposit their passports and relevant documents to commemorate martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.”