In a movement that has generated criticism of religious leaders and defenders of interreligious harmony, the Indian government has prohibited Sij pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to participate in the annual anniversary of the martyrdom of the Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sij Guru.
Despite this restriction, the Evacuee Trust de Pakistan (ETPB) and the Parbandhak Committee of Pakistan Sij Gurdwara (PSGPC) organized a symbolic reception on the border of Lahore Wagah on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the SIJ community and promoting delivery harmony.
The main ceremony that marks the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will take place in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16, with invitations extended to Sijs pilgrims around the world, including India.
According to the calendar of the event, the Indian pilgrims had planned to reach Pakistan on June 9. However, the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the closing of the border led the Indian government to block their citizens to undertake the pilgrimage.
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Speaking at the symbolic reception, the president of ETPB, Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, the additional secretary Santuaron Saifullah Khokhar, president of PSGPC, Sardar Ramesh Singh, members of the Committee, Krishna Mandir Priest Pandit Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki Representative of the Hindu Community Hindu Amarnath Randhawa of Hazrat Mir’s Mirat mely Makhiom Mades Ali Raza Gillani, and the members of the Christian community were present to demonstrate the interreligious unity.
Going to the meeting, the additional secretary Santuará Saifullah Khokhar said that under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Sij Indian pilgrims can visit Pakistan for the anniversary events of martyrdom.
“Unfortunately, this year the Indian government has not only denied permission for its pilgrims, but also kept the closed Kartarpur corridor,” Khokhar said.
“In April, Pakistan issued 7,000 visas to the Indian pilgrims for Vaisakhi celebrations. Our doors remain open to the Sijs pilgrims. Despite tense relationships, Pakistan has clearly stated that their doors are open to the Sijs Indian pilgrims 24/7.
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PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arara Strongly Condemned The Indian Government’s Decision, Stating, “Respecting Religious Freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of Every Country. Regretabry, India you have undermined Religious Harmony and Hurt the Sentiments of Sikh Pilgrims Bym From Visiting Pakistan on Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Martyrdom Anniversary.
In addition, he emphasized that the SIJ community receives immense respect in Pakistan, where the government prioritizes the maintenance of Sijs religious sites. “Pakistan is a true tutor of the rights of minorities. The actions of India, block the Sij pilgrims and keep the Kartarpur corridor closed, are unacceptable and provocative,” said Arora.
He also criticized the Indian media for their ongoing propaganda against Pakistan, saying: “Pakistan continues to promote peace, tolerance and interreligious harmony. The Kartarpur corridor remains open on our side, and the Sij Indian pilgrims are welcome to visit at any time.”
Previously, Arora has expressed a deep gratitude to the Sij Global community for its strong sample of solidarity with Pakistan and its armed forces amid recent regional developments.
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In a statement issued, it predicted the ideological unity and clarity demonstrated by the Sikhs worldwide, saying: “The SIJ nation has demonstrated once again that it does not compromise the principles of peace, brotherhood and truth.”
He pointed out that the SIJS living in countries such as India, the United States, Canada, several European nations and Switzerland had shown unwavering support for Pakistan’s position. “This is a historical message that the truth does not know borders,” he added.
The minister said the attempts of certain hostile elements to create discord within the SIJ community had failed.
