LAHORE: A number of Sikh pilgrims on Sunday returned home, urging governments of both India and Pakistan to end all sorts of visa restriction by opening borders for pilgrims in particular and the public in general.

Over 2,500 Sikh pilgrims, who had arrived in Lahore (Pakistan) on Nov 20 for a 10-day tour to participate in the 547th birth anniversary of Baba Gurunanak in Nankana Sahib district, returned India by three special trains.

Before departure, they appreciated the Pakistan government for facilitating them.

“We desire that Pakistan end visa restrictions for pilgrims, enabling us to visit temples of our gurus. And India too should end visa restrictions for Pakistani devotees,” deputy group leader Sardar Gurbachan Singh said while talking to media at the Lahore Railway Station.

Pilgrims group leader Sardar Gurmeet Singh said arrangements were really appreciable as the government did a lot for them.

“We can never forget the love and respect the officials and the people of Pakistan gave us,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Siddiqul Farooq said the officials served the Sikh pilgrims as a part of their duty.

“Facilitating Sikh pilgrims is our legal, constitutional and moral duty and we will make better arrangements in future,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2015