Trains for Sikh pilgrims allowed despite travel advisory

Lahore: Pakistani authorities persuaded their Indian counterparts to allow trains to cross the border to transport Sikhs who wish to participate in Guru Nanak's birth anniversary celebrations despite an official advisory against visiting the country, an official said today.

"The Indian Railways informed us on Friday evening that they would not entertain three special Pakistani trains going to Amritsar to transport the Sikh pilgrims," deputy director of Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Faraz Abbas told PTI.

"On the request of the Board, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad intervened and persuaded its government (to allow the trains to cross the border). Finally, at 11am today, the Indian government asked us to send the trains," Abbas said.

He expressed the hope that all Sikh 'yatris' or pilgrims who had valid visa would make the trip to Pakistan to join the celebrations at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the founder of the Sikh religion.

Reports said about 800 Indian pilgrims arrived on the first train that crossed the border this afternoon and more were expected later.

The ETPB, which maintains the shrines of minority communities and makes arrangements for visits by foreign pilgrims, has put in place strict security measures in the wake of a series of terrorist attacks across Pakistan.

Abbas said the earlier decision of Indian authorities had been equally disturbing for the ETPB and the yatris.

The paramilitary Pakistan Rangers have been deployed for the security of the pilgrims.

Senior officials of the Indian High Commission have also been sent to Lahore to oversee arrangements for the yatris.

The Indian government had on Tuesday advised pilgrims against visiting Pakistan in view of the deteriorating security situation.

"The government of India is of the view that it is not advisable for Indian pilgrims to visit Pakistan in the prevailing situation when frequent terrorist attacks are taking place in Punjab province...where all gurdwaras are situated," said a statement from the home ministry.

PTI