India disallows special trains for Sikh pilgrims travelling to Pakistan

Pilgrims to cross Wagah border on foot and then travel on buses

LAHORE:

The Indian government refused on Saturday to make arrangements for special trains for Sikh pilgrims travelling to Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi.

The Indian pilgrims will now enter Pakistan on foot through the Wagah border and then take a bus to Nankana Sahib. From there, they will travel to Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal.

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Sardar Ameer Singh said that last year the Indian pilgrims were taken from the joint check post to Wagah border by buses. From the border, they were taken to Nankana Sahib on special trains. He added that the Sikh pilgrims faced many difficulties in the process.

Sardar Ameer Singh said that this year the special trains have been suspended and the pilgrims will be taken to Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib and other places by buses.

"Indian pilgrims should discuss this important issue with their government so that trains can be sent from Wagah to Attari, making the journey easier and more comfortable for the Sikh pilgrims," he said.

Read Pakistan issues visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi celebrations

The pilgrims will reach Pakistan on April 9 (tomorrow) and return to India on April 18. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued 2,956 visas for Sikh pilgrims to participate in the annual festival.

The main Baisakhi event will be held on April 14 at Gurdwara Panja Sahib Hasan Abdal.

Officials of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Evacuee Trust Property Board will welcome Indian guests at Wagah border tomorrow.

During their visit, the pilgrims will also visit Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib, Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Gurdwara Rori Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda.