LAHORE: The Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan, Mr B.K. Acharya, today [Nov 23] meaningfully avoided comment on the arrangement made by the Pakistan Government for the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak and the maintenance of Sikh shrines in Pakistan, [during his visit to] Gurdwara Janamasthan, the venue of the anniversary celebrations which started two days ago.

When a newsman asked the Indian Envoy about his impressions of the maintenance of Sikh holy places in Pakistan and the arrangements made by the Pakistan Government enabling the Sikhs to celebrate the great event at the founder of Sikh religion’s native place, Mr Acharya said that he was a stranger at the place and was nobody to give his impressions. It was for the Sikh leaders and pilgrims to say anything on the matter, he added. ...

It is significant that the leader of the Indian Sikh delegation to Pakistan, Sardar Bhupindar Singh, and other prominent Sikh pilgrims participating in the ceremonies who were also present had already expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements and the maintenance of Sikh Gurdwaras in Pakistan and had spoken very highly of the efforts made by the Pakistan Government. — Agency

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2019