Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly objected to the Indian government’s move to restrict Sikh jathas from visiting religious shrines in Pakistan. SGPC secretary Pratap Singh said that stopping devotees in the name of security reflects a serious failure on the government’s part.
He clarified that the letter was not sent directly to the SGPC but to state governments, advising that Sikh groups should not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. Singh argued that if the Pakistan government had difficulty providing security, it would not have issued permission. Since Pakistan has agreed to allow Sikh devotees, India’s restriction is unjustified.
Highlighting Sikh values, Singh said that the community holds no animosity towards any religion or people. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings centered on remembrance of God, hard work, and harmony. Therefore, preventing devotees from visiting historical gurdwaras is a direct assault on religious freedom.
He also questioned the government’s stance, asking why cricket matches and business relations with Pakistan are permitted while Sikh pilgrims are barred from visiting their holy sites.
According to him, such restrictions might be understandable during wartime, but imposing them in times of peace is unreasonable and disrespects Sikh sentiments. The SGPC has urged the government to respect religious freedom and allow jathas to travel to Pakistan.
