New Delhi- President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Harmeet Singh Kalka, in a statement, issued here today expressed concerns over the Central Government’s decision of not sending Jatha (entourage) of Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Parkash Purab (birth anniverssary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in November month.
He said, “I believe that the faith and devotion nurtured for so many years is not limited only to Sikhs, but especially for the followers of Guru Nanak Sahib living across the world. Every year, devotees wish to visit Nankana Sahib—the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—on this sacred occasion. Now, citing security reasons, the Central Government has tried to restrict this yatra. I would appeal to the Government that at least a jatha must be allowed to attend celebrations at Nankana Sahib the birth place of tbr first Guru Sahib", said the DSGMC President.
Even if the number of visas issued is reduced from nearly 3, 000 to 500, and the duration of the pilgrimage cut from 10 days to 5 days, the sangat should not be denied this opportunity, S. Kalka suggested.
Kalka further said that the Government should reconsider and amend its order. The DSGMC will also hold discussions with the authorities and, if required, would personally meet Government officials on this matter.
S. Kalka has also sent a communique to the Union home minister Sh. Amit Shah for allowing the jatha to travel to Pakistan. Issuing an appeal he had said that the spiritual journey should be given clearance keeping im mind the spiritual aspirations of millions of followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Earlier in August month S. Kalka has written to a joint secretary level official in the union home ministry.
Expressing a strong viewpoint he added, “It is worth reflecting upon—if cricket teams from Pakistan can play matches with Indian team, then the emotions of Sikh devotees must also be respected with the same consideration. The Government should take a balanced decision on this sensitive matter because hurting the religious sentiments of the sangat can lead to very difficult consequences.
It is a serious concern that even the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor remains closed, he highlighted the concern.This corridor was opened after years of ardent prayers and hope, and we will raise the demand that it should be reopened at the earliest, he demanded.At the same time, Kalka acknowledged that the Government too owes responsibility of safety and security of the pilgrims from India.
“We should not merely blame the Government, because if any untoward incident happens with the pilgrims, their safety remains the responsibility of the Government. Both sides must be considered. However, I feel that reducing the number of pilgrims, shortening the duration, and gradually improving the atmosphere between the two countries is a sensible step that must be taken for now"', he further said.