154 pilgrims leave for Katas Raj in Pak

A total of 154 Indian pilgrims today crossed over to Pakistan through Attari-Wagah border to celebrate Maha Shivratri at Katas Raj cluster of temples in Chakwal district. The pilgrimage is planned between February 24 to March 2.

Some hailing from New Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Visakhapatnam reached Durgiana Mandir in Amritsar last evening and rest of them joined them at Attari border today morning.

Resentment prevailed among the devotees who were denied visas as they had to skip the trip at the eleventh hour. It has been learnt that the confirmation for visas were announced just a couple of days prior to the scheduled pilgrimage.

Pt Ribhu Kant Goswami from the Sanatan Dharam Sabha said both nations should be liberal in granting visas keeping in view the sentiments of pilgrims.

He said 175 visa applications were filed and only 154 were approved.

“No valid reason was given over the rejection of applications. I urge that the Hindu devotees living in India should be granted visas liberally. We have our ancient temples which were left over there after the Partition,” he added.

Durgiana Committee head Laxmi Kanta Chawla appealed to the Amritsar MP to raise the demand with the Centre that at least 5,000 pilgrims should visit Katas Raj.