Sikh pilgrims return to India through Wagah border after completing their 10-day stay in Pakistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Indian Sikh pilgrims who visited Pakistan to attend the Baisakhi festival returned to India through the Wagah border on Sunday after completing their 10-day stay, and emotional scenes were witnessed at the time of departure.
Authorities said a total of 2,238 pilgrims arrived at the border in special buses. Measures including additional immigration counters, medical camps, currency exchange and other facilities were provided to facilitate their return.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq and other officials saw off the pilgrims at the border.
The group’s leader, Sardar Harjeet Singh, said the visit to Pakistan was memorable and the pilgrims were returning with a message of peace and brotherhood. One pilgrim, Bibi Amarjeet Kaur, said she had arrived with negative perceptions but experienced respect and hospitality during her stay.
Another pilgrim, Sardar Surjeet Singh, said Pakistan had set a positive example in its treatment of minorities.
Pilgrims Sardar Gurpreet Singh and Bibi Manpreet Kaur said they were provided with accommodation, transportation, security and medical facilities. They added that despite regional tensions, they were able to perform their religious rituals freely in a peaceful environment.
Several pilgrims were emotional as they left, saying they would share the goodwill they experienced in Pakistan with others, particularly in India.
ETPB Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman said serving minorities was a matter of pride and Pakistan was a practical example of interfaith harmony where all religions enjoyed freedom. He said positive comments from pilgrims would help project a friendly image of the country.
The pilgrims left with smiles and fond memories, expressing the hope of returning in June to attend the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
