The central ਸਰਕਾਰ has denied permission for the Nankana Sahib pilgrimage to Pakistan for Guru Nanak Jayanti this year.
The ਸਰਕਾਰ’s decision was justified by security concerns. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has objected to the action and is requesting that the ਸਰਕਾਰ change its mind, according to the article. The pilgrimage is not feasible “in the current situation” because of a “tense situation on the ਭਾਰਤ-Pakistan border,” which could put pilgrims’ safety at greater danger, according to the Home Ministry’s letter to the SGPC.
Strong objection to the central ਸਰਕਾਰ’s decision has been voiced by Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the SGPC. The refusal to provide permission was referred to by him as a “insult to the religious sentiments of Sikhs.”
Dhami asked why pilgrims are denied access to their sacred sites yet cricket matches between ਭਾਰਤ and Pakistan may be scheduled. The SGPC claims that special arrangements had previously been made for Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan. The committee is pleading with the federal ਸਰਕਾਰ to change its mind and permit pilgrims to take part in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s impending 550th birthday celebration in Pakistan. According to the SGPC, religious emotions should be respected by the ਸਰਕਾਰ.
