Minister slams halting of Sikh pilgrims

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.



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 29^th, 2017.