NO TRAIN, SIKH JATHA STUCK
300 Sikh pilgrims with were stuck at Attari when the special train from Pak was not allowed to cross border
ATTARI: At least 300 Sikh pilgrims with Pakistani visas were stranded in heavy rain at the Attari railway station when the special train from Pakistan was not allowed to cross the border by the Indian government at the eleventh hour on Wednesday.
The pilgrims from across Punjab were going to Pakistan to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh empire, and were at Attari since morning. Though the train for Pakistan was ready to ferry them, it wasn’t given clearance to reach Attari.
Railway authorities said since there was no permission from the government, the train could not be allowed. The pilgrims raised slogans on learning that the Centre did not allow the jatha (group) to go to Pakistan on security grounds. Dr Jagir Singh, a pilgrim, said, “This is disappointing. We pray for a chance to pay obeisance at Sikh shrines in Pakistan. We got the visas a week ago. If there was an issue, the government should have informed us.”
Rain and a lack of facilities at the station added to the woes.
Jagjit Singh Bhullar, another pilgrim, said, “This is upsetting. Why should the government have a problem? We’re only going on a pilgrimage. People have come here from all over Punjab and even Delhi. We haven’t got a convincing reply. All authorities are saying is the train can’t come as the external affairs ministry has denied permission.”
Gurcharan Singh from Barnala said, “This is unfortunate. The government must inform passengers in advance rather than harass them and hurt their sentiments. We are keen to visit Sikh shrines in Pakistan.” By evening, half of the 300 pilgrims left the station.
The pilgrims were sent by various organisations, including the Bhai Mardana Yaadgari Kirtan Darbar Society (Ferozepur), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Khalra Mission Committee and Shiromani Akali Dal (DelhiSarna faction).
On June 8, a jatha of 80 pilgrims who reached Attari returned when the train from Pakistan did not arrive. This jatha was to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev. SGPC, which sends pilgrims to Pakistan, did not get clearance due to security reasons.