Indian Sikh pilgrims arrive in Lahore to participate in death anniversary of Ranjit Singh
LAHORE: A second batch of 337 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived here on Sunday via Wagah border to participate in the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
According to Kashmir Media Service, the pilgrims were warmly received by President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Qamar-ul-Zaman, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Abbas and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the ETPB had made comprehensive arrangements for the pilgrims’ stay and boarding. He said it was encouraging to see a large number of young Sikhs participating in the pilgrimage, reflecting their strong attachment to religious heritage.
The ETPB Chairman, Qamar-ul-Zaman, said that Pakistan was taking practical steps to promote religious tourism and interfaith harmony and was providing Sikh pilgrims with a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment. He added that the board was continuously working for the preservation and improvement of places of worship belonging to minority communities.
Additional Secretary of Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said special arrangements had been made for security, transportation, accommodation, langar, medical assistance, mineral water and other facilities for the pilgrims. He said Rescue 1122 vehicles and ambulances had also been deployed to facilitate the visiting devotees.
Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee appreciated the arrangements and thanked the Pakistan government for facilitating the pilgrimage. They said Pakistan was playing a commendable role in promoting religious freedom and interfaith harmony.
The main ceremonies, marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
would be held on June 29 at the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
