Pakistan travel suspended, but optimistic SGPC asks devotees to submit passports for Nov pilgrimage
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
SGPC secretary Partap Singh informed that since Guru Nanak's birth anniversary fell over three and a half months from now, SGPC was hopeful the govt will resume Pakistan travel. "Given that the entire process of collecting passports and applying for visas takes more than two and a half months, we have no choice but to begin preparations now, regardless of whether travel is resumed. If we wait and the travel does reopen, we'll be unprepared.
The goal is to ensure we are ready for the pilgrimage in case permission is granted," said the SGPC official.
After the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed, India announced several measures targeting Pakistan, one of which was closing the Attari (India)-Wagah (Pakistan) border and asking all those who went to Pakistan to return by May 1, besides revoking visas of all Pakistanis in India.
Owing to the travel suspension, the Indian Sikh jathas couldn't travel to Pakistan to observe the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Partap said the SGPC had initiated the visa process and devotees could submit their passports by Aug 4. He added SGPC's plan was to send the jatha to visit historical gurdwaras in the neighbouring country, including Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The secretary said they had also urged the central govt to resume the suspended day-long pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district. He emphasized that in light of the deep religious sentiments of the Sikh community, the govt should permit Sikh jathas to travel to Pakistan via the Attari land border and to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor—the sacred site where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Some don't agree to share power': DK Shivakumar's cryptic remark at Congress event
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday highlighted the importance of political sacrifice and power-sharing and how leaders nowadays are reluctant to do the same. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Deputy CM and state Congress President D K Shivakumar(PTI) Though Shivakumar didn't name anyone, his remarks have reignited speculation about a rift with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah over a rotational chief ministership – a deal the latter firmly denied. Speaking at the AICC-organised event titled 'Constitutional Challenges' in Delhi on Sunday, Shivakumar lauded the Gandhi family's contributions to the party and praised Sonia Gandhi's decision to not assume the post of Prime Minister in 2004. 'When Sonia Gandhi was asked by the President to take oath as the Prime Minister, she said, 'For me, power is not important.' She decided that a Sikh, a minority, and an economist could save the country and should become the Prime Minister,' Shivakumar said, calling it an unparalleled act of political sacrifice. In an apparent dig at leaders unwilling to step aside, he added: 'Has anyone in such a big democracy made such a sacrifice? Does anyone even sacrifice a small position today? Some MLAs and ministers share power, but some of us don't even agree to share power. Even at the panchayat level, many don't.' Earlier last month, chief minister Siddaramaiah had dismissed speculation of a mid-term leadership change, asserting he would complete the full five-year term. 'Am I not sitting here as the Chief Minister? Where is the vacancy?' Siddaramaiah said in New Delhi. 'DK Shivakumar himself has clarified this, and I'm saying the same, there's no vacancy for the CM post,' he had said. His statement was seen as a clear attempt to shut down persistent talk of Shivakumar being elevated to the top post in the latter half of the government's term. 'Congress's history is India's history' In his concluding remarks at the Delhi event, the deputy CM further talked about the grand old party's legacy and the Gandhi family's role in maintaining unity within the organisation. 'Congress's history is the country's history. The Gandhi family has kept the Congress Party united, and the Congress Party has kept the country united,' he said, according to an official party release.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Condolences pour in for anti-Khalistani activist Sukhi Chahal; cremation details awaited
Amritsar: Following the death of US-based Sikh activist Sukhi Chahal , known for his anti-Khalistan stance, a wave of condolences has poured in. Many remembered him fondly, sharing personal anecdotes and acknowledging his impactful presence and contributions to media. However, there is no official information yet on the time or location of his cremation. Gurcharan Singh Gill, the president of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (RSS), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, said that Chahal had a clear and focused vision. "It would be inappropriate to label him as either anti- or pro-any particular ideology. He was a beacon of light for the Indian diaspora — not only in the United States but also in the United Kingdom," Gill stated. "During my previous visit to the UK, I found many admirers among the Sikh community who took pride in how he spoke the truth and exposed propaganda driven by vested interests and foreign funding," he added. G by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo ill noted that the late Sukhi Chahal regularly engaged with people and dignitaries who understood and supported his mission. "His passing is a significant loss to Bharat and the global Indian diaspora," he said. Stating that they have lost a 'Dharam Yodha', Dattatreya Hosabale, general secretary, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, in his message, said, "The sudden death of Chahal is extremely shocking. I can't believe it! My deep condolences to his family and admirers. In his death, we have lost a dharm yoddha. He was a true son of Bharat Mata, very passionate about the noble cause. I pray to the Almighty, to bestow peace on the departed soul. " Veteran leader and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tarlochan Singh fondly recalled his interactions with Sukhi Chahal, describing him as an energetic individual who inspired others and established a television channel. "He used to visit Delhi frequently, took my interview, and shared his views. I've been informed that he passed away due to heart failure," he said. MSID:: 123076295 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
NDTV
12 hours ago
- NDTV
"Some Don't Agree To Share Power": DK Shivakumar At Congress Event In Delhi
Congress's DK Shivakumar, seen as engaged in a tussle with his boss - Chief Minister Siddaramaiah -- over the top post in Karnataka, made a few pointed remarks while praising the Gandhi family in Delhi today. While talking about power-sharing in politics at an event organised by the AICC titled "Constitutional Challenges", in Delhi, Mr Shivakumar praised the Gandhi family while also trying to highlight his long career with the Congress and his efforts to bring the party to power in Karnataka. He lauded Sonia Gandhi's decision in 2004 to step away from the Prime Minister post and spoke of power-sharing in politics. "When Sonia Gandhi was asked by the President to take oath as the Prime Minister, she said, 'For me, power is not important.' She decided that a Sikh, a minority, and an economist could save the country and should become the Prime Minister," he said, calling it an unparalleled act of political sacrifice. "Has anyone in such a big democracy made such a sacrifice? Does anyone even sacrifice a small position today? Even at the panchayat level, many don't. Some MLAs and ministers share power, but some of us don't even agree to share power," he said. While Mr Shivakumar did not name anyone, his comments, coming in the backdrop of persistent speculation about a power-sharing agreement between him and Mr Siddaramaiah, offer food for thought. Mr Siddaramaiah recently put such talks to rest, firmly saying that there is no power-sharing deal and that he would serve the full five-year term as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
