Minister slams halting of Sikh pilgrims

350 Sikh pilgrims wanted to participate in the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh


Our Correspondent June 29, 2017
PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: Denying Sikh pilgrims the right to participate in the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh is a clear human rights violation. This was stated by Provincial Minister Human Rights and Affairs of Minorities Khalil Tahir Sandhu.

The minister said that thousands of Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan every year to celebrate the birth or death anniversary of their religion’s founder.

He added 350 Sikh pilgrims wanted to participate in the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh started from June 28, but several pilgrims couldn’t enter Pakistan after Indian authorities stopped them at the Attari railway station.

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The minister said it was a clear human rights violation. A special train was also dispatched to bring pilgrims from Attari railway station. But the Indian authorities denied them the right to participate in their religious ceremony.

Khalil said that Sikh pilgrims should be granted permission to enter Pakistan to participate in the Maharja Ranjeet Singh’s death Anniversary.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2017.

COMMENTS (4)

RAJ | 7 years ago | Reply Then give us a reason why Sikhs are not allowed to go, we are not children.
Hmm | 7 years ago | Reply Which human rights you are speaking about ? Conversion of minorities to Muslims and dwindling minority population ? Even minorities are not being counted in census, minorities can't hold top positions in your country . Don't understand which Human rights violation, these people say . If Sikhs are not allowed, then there must be a reason , otherwise Indian Punjab gov would have raised this issue in state parliament...
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