Pakistan Denies Entry to 14 Indian Hindus for Sikh Pilgrimage

Fourteen Indian citizens were denied entry into Pakistan while attempting to participate in celebrations for the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The group of pilgrims, initially cleared to travel to Nankana Sahib, was sent back after being identified as Hindus rather than Sikhs. This incident occurred despite the fact that they were among approximately 2,100 individuals authorized by the Indian Union Home Ministry to visit Pakistan for the event.

On Tuesday, around 1,900 people successfully crossed the Wagah border into Pakistan, marking a significant moment for people-to-people contact following the recent military conflict known as Operation Sindoor. The denied pilgrims, who were Pakistani-born Sindhis that had obtained Indian citizenship, were reportedly informed by officials, “You are Hindu… you can’t go with Sikh devotees.” This left them feeling humiliated as they were turned away at the border.

Significant Pilgrimage Event

The main ceremony for the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations is set to take place later today at Gurdwara Janamasthan, located approximately 80 kilometers from Lahore. The gathering will include prominent Sikh leaders such as Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the leader of Akal Takht, and Bibi Gurinder Kaur, who is leading a delegation from the Shrimoni Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

During their ten-day stay in Pakistan, the visiting Indian Sikh pilgrims plan to visit several significant sites, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. These sites hold great religious significance for Sikhs and are expected to attract large numbers of devotees.

The situation underscores the complexities surrounding religious pilgrimages in the region, particularly in the context of historical and ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The denial of entry to the fourteen pilgrims highlights the challenges faced by individuals attempting to engage in interfaith celebrations and visit family across borders.

As the celebrations commence, the focus will remain on the unity of the Sikh community and the observance of traditions that honor the teachings of Guru Nanak.