300 pilgrims from Hazur Sahib on way back

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, April 24

The first batch of Sikh pilgrims stranded in Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, have started their journey to Punjab.

It is learnt that due to the combined efforts of the Centre and state government, around 300 pilgrims, belonging to Punjab, have started their journey. Hailing mostly from the Majha region, they were unable to return due to cancellation of trains.

According to officials, 10 buses left Nanded for Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. They are expected to reach their destinations by Saturday evening.

Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal had approached Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and NCP leader Sharad Pawar, seeking their intervention for helping around 2,000 pilgrims, belonging to Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, who were stranded at Nanded since the lockdown was imposed.

Similarly, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh too spoke to Uddhav who assured all help in the matter.

Today, 10 buses were arranged to ferry 300 pilgrims while keeping social distancing factor in mind during the journey. Takht Jathedar Kulwant Singh saw them off by presenting them with siropas.

Taking to Twitter, Harsimrat wrote: “Delighted to see the efforts bearing fruit now. The first batch of pilgrims stranded in Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, has started its journey back home. While wishing them all a safe journey, I sincerely thank Amit Shah, Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar for making it happen.”

Earlier, SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal had also written to Amit Shah and the Punjab CM, requesting their intervention to ensure return of the pilgrims stranded at Nanded.

Will return today

• The first batch of 300 pilgrims have started their journey back home
• Hailing mostly from the Majha region, they were unable to return due to cancellation of trains
• In all, 10 buses left Nanded for Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. They are expected to reach home by Saturday evening