Attari (Amritsar),  November 21
Agitated over the deletion of names in the visa list for Pakistan, about 1,000 devotees resorted to sloganeering at the SGPC complex, blaming the SGPC for denial of visas, before the jatha was flagged off here today.

Some persons even prostrated themselves before the vehicle of Mr Kabul Singh, leader of the jatha. SGPC employees had to physically lift them to make way for the jatha.

The SGPC authorities tried to pacify the agitated devotees, explaining they had no hand in the denial of visas. The SGPC blamed the Pakistan authorities for favouring members of Bhai Mardana Yadgar Kirtan Society of Mr Harpal Singh Bhullar and a Sikh organisation of Delhi led by Mr Balbir Singh for the same.

Those denied the chance for pilgrimage to Pakistan on the occasion of the 536th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev included those from Amritsar, Sangrur and Gurdaspur.

It was learnt that former MLA Ajaib Singh had earlier been appointed jatha leader, but objections over his “dyeing his beard” led to a change in the leadership.

A jatha of 2,480 Sikh pilgrims left for Pakistan by rail today. Mr Kabul Singh, talking to The Tribune, conveyed the displeasure of SGPC President, Bibi Jagir Kaur, over the 729 deletions in the visa list by the Pakistan High Commissioner.

Earlier, names of 72 pilgrims were struck off by the government. The jatha leader said 2,000 names were given for visas. He said even as relations between the two neighbouring countries were improving, the denial of visas to such a large number of applicants had sent a wrong message.

On talks with the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) on issues of ‘maryada’ and maintenance of historical gurdwaras, he explained that they first had to see the Act under which the PSGPC was formed.

He, however, said he would raise the issues of ‘parkash’ and ‘rehat maryada’ in Pakistan gurdwaras and provision for kirtani jathas.

The jatha leader said the foremost issue of ‘kar seva’ would be discussed and it would be stressed that the SGPC should take up all ‘kar seva’ and others were welcome to participate.

According to reports from across the border, Mr Mastan Singh, head of the PSGPC, Mr Sham Singh, and Mr Bishan Singh, both members of the PSGPC, besides Mr Ishar-ul-Hassan general secretary, Wakf Board, welcomed the jatha at the Wagah railway station in Pakistan .