AMRITSAR: The Indian Government didnt allow the jatha of Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan to commemorate Gurpurb of Guru Arjan Dev ji for which Pakistan government had issued visas.
The Jatha of about 140 Sikh pilgrims reached today at Attari railway station but at the last moment the Indian Railway didn't allow the Pakistani train to enter India. The Pakistan Railway had send a special train to pick the pilgrims which is common practice.
According to reports from Attari border, the Pakistani Train remained stranded at Wagha border but it was not allowed to enter. Though there is no reason given officially to prevent Sikh Jatha from visiting Pakistan but it is learnt that political rivalry between Badal family and Paramjit Sijgh Sarna former Delhi Gurdwara Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president led to refusal of permission. Since SGPC is not sending Sikh Jatha to Pakistan, the group was sponsored by Paramjit Sarna and other Sikh organisations. The Gurpurb is celebrated on different dates in Pakistana and India and the former observe the day naccording to orginal Nanakshahi calendar whereas SGPC commemorate it according to amended calendar.
The stranded pilgrims raised slogans against the government. They also complained that there was lack of drinking water and toilet facilities.
"The moment we will get the permission, we will allow the train to enter Attari, " Station Master M.L. Rai told reporters.