File photo of an Indian Sikh devotee paying his respects during the Baisakhi festival at the Sikh Shrine Golden Temple in Amritsar. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE: Thousands of Indian Sikh yatris are expected to arrive in Pakistan through the Wagha Border on the eve of Baisakhi on Thursday (today).
They will celebrate the festival at Nankana Sahib, Hassan Abdal and Badami Bagh. This year, around 3,000 Sikhs are expected to visit.
The Pakistan Railways has arranged three special trains for this purpose and 200 Railway Police personnel have been deputed for security on these trains. Railways Inspector General Syed Ibne Hussain and superintendents have evolved a security plan.
Railway Police’s bomb disposal staff have checked the vehicles and the track. A security rehearsal has also been conducted under the supervision of Railways SSP. The Railways IGP issued special directions to the Railway Police staff to “ensure exemplary behaviour and conduct with the yatris so that they leave Pakistan with only good memories”. He said no negligence would be tolerated and fool proof security arrangements must be ensured.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2014.
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