Centenary event of Saka Nankana Sahib begins

Amritsar, February 19

The event to mark the centenary of the Saka Nankana Sahib commenced with the initiation of akhand path on both sides of the India-Pakistan border today.

The SGPC started the programme with gurmat samagams at Godharpur village in Gurdaspur, and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee at the Gurdwara Janam Asthan.

A jatha from India was supposed to take part in the Nankana Sahib’s week-long programme, but before they could cross the Attari-Wagah border on February 18, the Centre denied the permission, citing security concerns and Covid-19 threat.

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Satwant Singh said, “Denying permission means disregard to Sikhs’ sentiment. The Pakistan government had made elaborate arrangements, including accommodation, langar, medical and other facilities for the visiting devotees, but it all went wasted,” he said.

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur have requested the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah to review the decision and allow the pilgrims to visit the Nankana Sahib for the main event on February 21. — TNS