— Amritsar
The first batch of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who are going to attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, arrived in Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border on Tuesday. However, a major controversy erupted during the visit when 12 Hindu pilgrims were denied entry into Pakistan despite possessing valid visas and all the necessary documents.
Pakistani officials stopped them, saying they were Hindus and only Sikh pilgrims were allowed to proceed. They were later sent back to India, a move that shocked the Sikh group present there and the Indian officials.
Indian religious organizations and officials strongly condemned the move, calling it discrimination based on religion and an attempt to break Hindu-Sikh unity. This group was the first to visit Pakistan since Operation Sindoor, and the incident has sparked outrage among both communities.
Former Minister Chawla’s Strong Statement
Former Health Minister Prof. Laxmikant Chawla called this a Pakistani conspiracy to spread religious division in India. He said that Sikhs and Hindus are two branches of the same family and no country has the right to separate them.
He said that thousands of Hindu devotees visit Sri Harimandir Sahib every day, and the Sikh community also visits India’s major temples with reverence. Pakistan’s attitude is extremely unfortunate and unacceptable.
Chawla urged the central government to take firm action and respond to Pakistan’s policies. He said that if Pakistan continues such actions, India should also consider banning the travel of Pakistani Hindu pilgrims.
