5,800 Sikh pilgrims return from Pakistan

A group of around 5,800 Sikh pilgrims returned to India via the Wagah-Attari border on Saturday after completing Pakistan visit to observe Khalsa Sajna Divas and participate in Baisakhi festivities at various gurdwaras there.

They, however, had to stand in long queues in the scorching heat as the number of immigration and security staff at the Attari border was not sufficient enough to deal with the sudden rush. Three pilgrims reportedly fell ill and had to be provided medical aid there.

The Pakistan High Commission had issued around 6,500 visas to Sikh devotees for the special pilgrimage. The figure was more than double the visas issued last year. The unexpectedly large number of pilgrims reportedly posed logistical challenges as regards accommodation and food in Pakistan.

To manage the crowd, the jatha was divided into two smaller groups. One group was accommodated at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, while the other stayed at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.

On Baisakhi, thousands of pilgrims gathered at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib.

SGPC general secretary Gurcharan Singh Kohala, who was also part of the group, said the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Evacuee Trust Property Board made every effort to accommodate the pilgrims. However, due to the sheer size of the group, issues related to accommodation and basic facilities were reported, especially at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, he added.

Punjab