Allow Sikh jatha to Pakistan, says Punjab Congress; BJP backs Centre

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Wednesday urged PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to respect Sikh sentiments and allow people to visit Nanakana Sahib on the Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev in November.

Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said the need to prioritise national security was understandable, but it was disheartening to note that age-old traditions, faith and spiritual practices of lakhs of Sikhs were repeatedly sacrificed in the name of hostility between two nations.

BJP leaders, including former Union Minister of State Som Parkash and ex-Rajya Sabha member Avinash Rai Khanna have supported the Centre’s decision on the issue. They said while the Sikh community held its historic shrines across the border in the highest reverence, the safety of pilgrims and the security of the nation could not be compromised.