TAXILA: Gurdwara Punja Sahib echoed with religious slogans of Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh on Sunday morning as pilgrims from across the world poured into the third most sacred place of Sikh religion in Hassanabdal to celebrate the 549th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Over 3,800 Indian Sikh pilgrims, 148 from United Kingdom, seven from UAE and thousands of Sikh and Hindu devotees from various parts of the country, especially Fata and interior Sindh, arrived at the gurdwara to perform their rituals which include Akhand Path, Ashnan, Matha Teak and Kirtan.

Elaborated security measures were taken in and around the gurdwara where dozens of officials from the security agencies were deployed.

Talking to the media, leader of the Indian pilgrims Marjeet Singh lauded the role of the Pakistani government in opening Kartarpur corridor. He said with the opening of this corridor, the Pakistani government had won the hearts of millions of Sikhs living on the other side of the border. The number of pilgrims had also increased compared to last year, he added.

Raminder Singh, leader of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak committee, lauded the steps taken by the Pakistani government for the upkeep and restoration of gurdwaras, adding that the latest step of opening the corridor would further cement relations between Pakistan and the Sikh community.

He added that the opening of the Kartarpur corridor would be a gift for the Sikh community by the governments of both sides. He said over 10,000 Sikh pilgrims would visit Pakistan on the occasion. He stressed the need for opening more corridors between the two countries, especially in Kashmir.

Sohan Singh, contingent leader from the Bhai Mardana Sikh committee, said every religion taught love, tolerance and respect for humanity. He appreciated Pakistani government’s efforts for ensuring religious freedom for minorities and safeguarding sacred places and gurdwaras of the Sikh community.

However, leader of female contingent from India Manmohan Kaur expressed her displeasure over the mismanagement by the railways department as a result of which over 113 pilgrims were left behind at Nankana Sahib.

He said despite prior information, additional coaches were not attached to the trains. When the pilgrims protested, they were sent by buses after waiting for several hours in the cold weather. She said visa-free entry to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur would be a great facility for Sikh pilgrims.

Talking to mediapersons, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Imran Gondal said mismanagement was due to the negligence of the railway authorities and the pilgrims’ displeasure was communicated to the relevant authorities.

He said the government had decided to open a new cross-border corridor to allow Sikh pilgrims from neighbouring India to visit their gurdwara in Pakistan. He said this corridor would formally be inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 28 while Punjab Governor Mohammad Sarwar would host a reception in honour of the Indian Sikhs in Lahore on the 27th.

Responding a question, Mr Gondal said Indian pilgrims would visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore on November 26. They will also visit Gurdwara Rohri Sahib in Emanabad and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur on November 28 and then depart for their respective countries on November 30.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2018