Sikh jatha leaves for Pakistan to observe death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Amritsar, June 21
An SGPC jatha today departed for Pakistan to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Pakistan High Commission has issues 495 visas for the pilgrimage. A total of 420 pilgrims, under the umbrella of various Sikh organisations, including DSGMC, Khalra Mission Committee and Bhai Mardana Yaadgar Kirtan Darbar Society, crossed over to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah joint check-post today. The SGPC flagged off the jatha from its headquarters located at the Golden Temple complex.
SGPC secretary Partap Singh said the committee had sent applications of 277 pilgrims for visas, of which, the visas of 266 pilgrims were approved.
At the Wagah border, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ameer Singh, former president Satwant Singh and officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board received the Indian jatha. The Pak authorities have put in place special arrangements, including travel, accommodation and security for the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Centre has already communicated to the chief secretaries of all states and the SGPC to issue directions to the pilgrims to refrain from accepting the personal hospitality offered by Pakistani citizens at their homes during the course of their trip.
