Guru Nanak's birth anniversary: Sikh community protests against ban on fireworks
The protest was launched against Nankana Sahib’s District Coordination Officer Muhammad Hassan Iqbal. Protestors said that they had assured him of the safety of other people while using firecrackers.
(Read: The other pilgrimage: Only those who the Guru calls go to Nankana Sahib singing and dancing)
The protestors said that the DCO initially agreed to the use of fireworks but minutes prior to the main celebrations, he prohibited the use of them.
A clash was also reported to have taken place between members of the Sikh community and the police, amid which the DCO exited the Gurdwara without taking any action.
(Read: Guru Nanak Anniversary: Delegation inspects ritual site)
Pakistan Gurdwara Administration Committee representatives announced their resignation during a press conference in the aftermath of the protests.
Pilgrims arrive at Gurdwara Punja Sahib
The Sikh pilgrims have now reached the most revered holy site Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal.
Recitations from the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib and supplications will be held at the Gurdwara and the pilgrims will then head to Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
The Sikh pilgrims who have come from India will be heading back on November 16 in special trains.
A slideshow of pictures from the pilgrimage can be viewed here.
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@Pakistani Hindu: Keeping the noise pollution down also requires the call for prayers five times a day through a loudspeaker should be banned as well! The ban on fireworks just shows how tolerant the Pakistanis are of Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists.
So you can buy all the AK-47s and grenades you want from the market, but fireworks!! Hell no, those are too dangerous.
@Pak Hindus. OK lala ji.
Keeping the law and order situation and safety of fellow citizens in our mind, fireworks or any other type of explosives should be avoided. However, DCO shouldn't have agreed for it in the first place, that's what left Sikhs exasperated. Peace out.