SGPC and Akal Takht Praise Centre's Decision for Sikh Jatha to Visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Jayanti

The SGPC and Akal Takht commend the Centre's approval for a Sikh jatha to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Jayanti, emphasising its importance for devotees.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib have expressed their approval of the Indian government's decision to permit a Sikh jatha to visit gurdwaras in Pakistan. This visit is scheduled for the Parkash Purb, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, in November. The SGPC president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, acknowledged this development through media reports and appreciated the government's move.

Dhami highlighted the significance of Guru Nanak Dev's Parkash Purb, not only for Sikhs but for all humanity. He noted that Sikh devotees hold a strong emotional desire to visit Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev's birthplace in Pakistan, during this sacred occasion. The earlier restriction on the jatha had caused disappointment among the Sangat, prompting the SGPC to appeal for reconsideration.

SGPC's Appeal and Government's Response

In response to the initial restrictions, the SGPC had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 29, urging a review of the decision. Dhami expressed satisfaction that the government heeded their request. He also mentioned that Sikh devotees annually submit their passports with hopes of joining this pilgrimage, and restrictions deeply affect their religious sentiments.

Sri Akal Takht Sahib also praised the Centre's decision to allow the annual Sikh jatha to visit Sri Nankana Sahib and other historic shrines in Pakistan. Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, described it as fulfilling the prayers of the Sikh community. He commended the Centre for reconsidering its earlier stance from September 12 and approving the jatha's visit.

Political Reactions and Criticism

Last month, political leaders in Punjab, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, criticised the Centre's advisory against sending a Sikh jatha to Pakistan due to security concerns. Mann pointed out that while permission was granted for an Asia Cup T20 cricket match between India and Pakistan, it was denied for the Sikh pilgrimage. Punjab Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also called for a review of this advisory.

Jathedar Gargajj emphasised that regular visits by jathas to Pakistani gurdwaras are essential for fostering communal harmony and improving bilateral relations. He stressed that such pilgrimages should continue without interruption to strengthen ties between India and Pakistan.

The SGPC president further appealed for reopening the Kartarpur corridor, which allows pilgrims to visit another significant site related to Guru Nanak Dev. The decision to permit the jatha's visit has been seen as a positive step towards addressing religious sentiments and enhancing cross-border relations.

With inputs from PTI