AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab (May 21, 2015)—Amid ongoing controversy on Nanakshahi Calendar, Pakistan High Commissioner refused to issue visas to Jatha (group of Sikh pilgrims) to be sent by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Pakistan did so second successive year due to the fact that in Pakistan, martyrdom day of Sri Guru Arjan Jee is being observed by Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on June 16 as per original Nanakshahi Calendar whereas SGPC on May 22 as per Bikrami Calendar.
The SGPC wants to send its Jatha as per the date of May 22, thereby being denied visa for pilgrimage. Delhi Sikh Gurdwara management Committee (DSGMC) which is also controlled by Akali Dal Badal, also follow the Bikrami Calendar.
As told by SGPC Additional Secretary Diljeet Singh Bedi, the SGPC had initiated the process of seeking visas for 108 pilgrims, the list of whom was sent to the Pakistan High Commission which declined to issue visas for the pilgrimage between May 14 and 23.
Bedi, however, disclosed that the Pakistan High Commission had offered them to issue visas for observing ‘gurpurb’ on June 16, but the SGPC didn’t accept it. He said the pilgrims would now be able to visit Pakistan on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary on June 29.
ਖ਼ਬਰਾਂ
Nanakshahi Calendar Row: Pakistan Refuses To Issue Visa to SGPC Jatha
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