Besakhi festival: Security, arrangements finalised

WAH CANTT:

Around 3,000 Sikh pilgrims, mostly from India, are expected to arrive at Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal in connection with 312th Besakhi festival.

On Sunday, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Deputy Secretary Shrines Syed Faraz Abbas said that Indian Sikh pilgrims would arrive at Hassanabdal on April 11 through special pilgrimage trains via the Wagha border for a three-day stay. They will perform religious rituals including Ashnan, Akhand Paath Sahib, Ardas and Hukamnama.

He said all high ranking officials of ETPB and district administration along with representatives from Pakistani Sikh bodies, will welcome the pilgrims. “We have finalised security and other necessary arrangements including food and accommodation at Gurdwara Punja Sahib for the pilgrims,” he added.

He said after offering religious rituals, Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries would leave for Nankana Sahib on April 14, after attending the Bhog ritual. The pilgrims would leave for Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on April 17, and for India on April 19. A large number of Sikh pilgrims from other countries including the United Kingdom, France, the US, Canada and the UAE were also expected to arrive here to offer religious rituals in connection with Besakhi festival. Sikhs and Hindus from other parts of the country including FATA, Peshawar, Swat, Tando Adam, Larkana, Sukkur, Badin, Umar Kot, Karachi and Lahore would also join the Besakhi celebrations. He said the concerned authorities including ETPB, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Auqaf Department, local administration, police and other law enforcement agencies had finalised arrangements for the festival. To give the Gurdwara an attractive look, the Auqaf Department, ETPB and the SGPC have already renovated and illuminated the main building, he added.

Over 800 policemen to protect pilgrims\

A foolproof security plan has been laid out for Sikh pilgrims arriving at the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal to participate in Besakhi festival. District Police officer (DPO) Dr Akhter Abbas said on Sunday that due to the prevailing law and order situation, foolproof arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward situation during their three-day stay at the Sikh temple.

He said that though the government had been guarding the Sikh Jathas for many years, the security cover has been strengthened further. He said scanners would be installed at temples to provide security to the pilgrims, adding that along with elite police commandos, paramilitary officials would also be deployed to ensure the safety and security of visiting Sikh pilgrims.

Over 800 policemen will perform security duties, including four district superintendents, six inspectors, 11 sub-inspectors, 23 assistant sub-inspectors, 33 head constables, 606 constables, 30 lady constables and over 100 plain clothes officers.

Additionally, Over 50 security cameras and modern walkthrough gates have been installed at all gurdwaras. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th,  2011.