Sikh Leaders Urge India to Lift Travel Ban for Pilgrims to Pakistan
Recently, Sikh community leaders urged the Indian government to revoke its ban on pilgrims traveling to Pakistan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. They argue that this ban goes against international standards and moral values.
Mahesh Singh, vice president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, highlighted the issue, noting that many important Sikh shrines are located in Pakistan. The call for change came after India denied permits for Sikhs to go to Pakistan for the celebration, citing security as the reason. This decision, made on September 12, has drawn criticism from various Sikh groups and opposition politicians.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which oversees Sikh temples in India, expressed that the ban hurt the community’s religious feelings. Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, criticized the central government for its hypocrisy, pointing out that while cricket matches between India and Pakistan continue, religious pilgrims are barred from crossing the border.
This travel restriction brings to light ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have downgraded diplomatic ties and restricted travel since violent clashes escalated earlier this year. Even after a brokered ceasefire by the U.S., travel between the nations remains limited.
On the other hand, Pakistani officials maintain that they still welcome Indian pilgrims to their religious sites under existing agreements. Many of the most sacred places in Sikhism are in Pakistan, a consequence of the 1947 partition of British India.
Among these sites is the Kartarpur shrine, which is considered the second holiest in Sikhism. The Kartarpur Corridor, established in 2019, allows Sikh pilgrims from India to visit without a visa. However, recent flooding in the Narowal district, where the shrine is located, affected over 100,000 people. Even with the floods, officials worked quickly to drain water from the site, and it reopened within a week.
Ghulam Mohiuddin, a Pakistani official, stated that preparations are underway to accommodate Indian pilgrims if the ban is lifted. He predicted that many Sikhs could visit Kartarpur this year if the Indian government changes its stance.
Singh mentioned the hopes of thousands of Sikhs looking forward to celebrating Guru Nanak’s 556th birth anniversary in November. The Pakistani government has pledged to provide necessary arrangements for visitors, assuring that they would receive visas through the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi.
Another Sikh leader, Gyani Harpreet Singh, questioned the rationale behind the ban, suggesting that if cricket matches can take place between the two countries, then Sikhs should also be allowed to practice their faith freely. He appealed to the Indian government not to toy with the emotions of the Sikh community.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between religious freedom and political tensions. As we move forward, it may be essential for both governments to find a constructive resolution that respects the sentiments of their people while fostering cross-border ties.
For further information on the topic, you can read this report that discusses the historical context of Sikhism’s sacred sites and the recent political developments affecting pilgrimages.
Source link
SIKH LEADERS URGE TO REMOVE BAN, REMOVE BAN ON VISTING TO PAK SHRINE, PAKISTAN SHRINE OF GURU NANAK, PAKISTAN SIKH GURUDWARA COMMITTEE, SIKH LEADERS URGE INDIA TO LIFT BAN ON PILGRIMS TRAVELING TO PAKISTAN SHRINE
