Delhi Akali Dal chief thanks Amit Shah for clearance to Nankana Sahib pilgrimage

Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi unit chief Paramjit Singh Sarna on Thursday expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for granting permission to a Sikh jatha to visit Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, this November on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s Parkash Purb.

Sarna noted that both his party and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had been urging the Home Ministry to reconsider the earlier decision that had denied clearance for the pilgrimage.

He said the approval reflected “sensitivity to Sikh religious sentiments” and restored a tradition that had continued under the Nehru–Liaquat Pact of 1950.

Calling the decision a “moment of immense relief and happiness” for the Sikh community, Sarna said, “We are grateful to the Home Minister for his intervention and for ensuring that devotees will be able to bow their heads at the birthplace of Guru Nanak. This reaffirmation of traditions strengthens the trust between the community and the government.”

He also acknowledged the cooperation extended to Sikh institutions in facilitating the jatha, expressing hope that such support would continue for future religious and cultural pilgrimages. Notably, Sarna had earlier written to the Home Minister, requesting him to allow pilgrimage to Pakistan.