New Delhi/Chandigarh: The Government of India has denied permission to a Sikh jatha to Pakistan for Yatra of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib to mark 100th anniversary of Saka Nankana Sahib. Nankana Sahib is Parkash Asthan of Guru Nanak Ji, first Guru of Sikhs. The Jatha was scheduled to visit Pakistan from February 18 to 25, 2021 to attend special Samagams on 100th anniversary of ‘Saka Nankana Sahib’.
In a letter sent to the president of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Director Avi Prakash said: “recent inputsindicate threat to the safety and security of Indian citizens visiting Pakistan. As the Jatha which may have nearly 600 members, is scheduled to visit five Gurdwaras across Pakistan over a period of week, we apprehend considerable threat to the safety of a large number of our citizens during this visit”.
“You may also be aware that traffic on India-Pakistan international border remains suspended since March, 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. While, the pandemic continues to persist, it is pertinent to note that Pakistan has so far recorded over half a million cases with over 10,000 plus deaths due to Covid. Considering the capacity of health infrastructure in Pakistan”, the letter reads.
“It is not advisable for a large group of our citizens to visit Pakistan for a week during pandemic”, he added.
Avi Prakash said: “[i]n view of the factors mentioned above, MHA has not accorded permission to the Jatha for crossing over to Pakistan, which was mandatory, in view of the ongoing suspension of cross border traffic due to Covid-19 pandemic”.
Giani Harpreet Singh Condemns GoI’s Move:
In a video statement released today, SGPC appointed acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh termed BJP government’s decision as an attack on faith of Sikhs. While pointing that a Jatha has visited Pakistan in November 2021, Giani Harpreet Singh termed the plea taken by GoI as ‘irrational’.
Giani Harpeet Singh’s statement on @HMOIndia @AmitShah denying clearance to a #Sikh jatha just ahead of historic yatra to #NankanaSahib to attend Samagams on 100th anniversary of #SakaNankanaSahib. pic.twitter.com/J9TJ4gxbgS
— Sikh Siyasat News (@sikhsiyasat) February 17, 2021
Its’ a Murder of Sikh Sentiments – SGPC President:
While criticising Indian home ministry’s move to deny permissions to the Sikh jatha just a day before departure, SGPC president termed it as a murder of Sikh sentiments.