LAHORE (Kashmir English): Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday via Wagah border to participate in the 420th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the annual Jor Mela celebrations.
The visit marks a significant development in religious ties between Sikh communities of the two neighbouring nations.
For the first time in 14 years, Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan and India will jointly observe the commemorations, following the resolution of long-standing issues related to the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary.
Speaking at the Wagah Border reception ceremony, Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, said around 700 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday.
The minister said Sikh devotees had been waiting for such an opportunity in previous years, adding the arrival pilgrims from India this year had created a historic moment.
He told media that Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and bringing people closer together and added that Pakistan was not the second but the first home of Sikhs around the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Sikh delegation leader Sardar Parmjeet Singh said issues regarding the observance date of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom anniversary had persisted for the past 14 years.
He appreciated Pakistan for warmly welcoming Sikh pilgrims and facilitating arrangements for the religious events.
Another Sikh leader from India, Gurmeet Singh Gaggi, said a consensus had been reached between Pakistani and Indian Sikh community to jointly commemorate the martyrdom anniversary.
Sikh devotees
He described the gathering of Sikh devotees from both countries after 14 years as a positive and memorable occasion and acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Pakistani authorities.
According to officials, all relevant departments have completed arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of religious rituals and events and to provide the pilgrims with the best possible facilities during their stay in Pakistan.
