SGPC opens office in Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra, March 27

The Sikh pilgrims, who want to visit holy shrines with Pakistan-bound jathas, will now be able to deposit their passports at the SGPC’s sub-office in Kurukshetra from where further visa processing will take place.

A centre has been set up at the SGPC’s sub-office at Patshahi Chhevin Gurdwara here for this purpose.

As per information, a letter has been issued to the additional secretary, sub-office, Kurukshetra, by the secretary (yatra), SGPC, Amritsar, for the management of jathas for pilgrimage of holy shrines in Pakistan.

Mangpreet Singh, in charge, Sikh Mission, Haryana, said “Currently, pilgrims from Haryana approach their deputy commissioners concerned, then after inquiry, the visas are issued, but now the pilgrims would be able to submit their applications and passports in the sub-office. We will approach the deputy commissioners and make further arrangements.”

SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur said four jathas were sent every year to the holy shrines of Pakistan, in which visa process is facilitated for the pilgrims from Punjab at the SGPC headquarters in Amritsar. But due to the separate quota for pilgrims from Haryana, they had to complete the visa process themselves. The SGPC would now provide facilities to the sangat of Haryana and Punjab. — TNS