SIALKOT: Hundreds of Sikh pilgrims on Thursday visited Gurdwara Babey di Beri and participated in rituals.

They also refreshed their pre-partition memories and hailed Pakistan government’s efforts for looking after their sacred places and safeguarding the rights of the minorities.

The Sikh pilgrims led by Navneet Kaur also thanked the people of Pakistan for their hospitality. Sardar Sohan Singh, Sardar Manmohan Singh, Sardar Gurupareet Singh, Sardar Badal Singh, Preet Kaur, Naseeb Kaur and Sukh Pareet Kaur told newsmen that they felt Pakistan a home away from home and it was a peaceful country.

They expressed hope that Pakistan and India develop good relations and undertake meaningful peace talks.

Sardar Jaskaran Singh Sidhu said the Sikh community in Pakistan, India and Europe had welcomed the Pakistan government’s proposal to open the Kartarpur border between Pakistan and India to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims.

He said visa-free entry of the Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur would be a great step in promoting peace.

MPA Mahinder Pal Singh said India must give positive response to Pakistan’s sincere efforts regarding opening of the Kartarpur border.

The Sikh pilgrims also visited Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Shakargarh and participated in the three-day long rituals of the 479th death anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. According to the local security officials, around 3,000 devotees will attend the concluding ceremony of the event on Sept 22.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2018