Sukhbir stated that there was an amazing sentiment within the Sikh group that the Kartarpur Hall must be reopened in order that devotees might pay obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. (File photograph)
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and direct the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to reopen the Kartarpur Hall to facilitate Sikh pilgrims wishing to go to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan on the 551st delivery anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
The hall — which permits Indian pilgrims to undertake visa-free journey to the Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara — was closed on March 16 as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the SAD president additionally urged him to permit visa free pilgrimage to make sure those that don’t possess passports might additionally entry the hall. He stated easy accessibility must be given to the pilgrims whereas imposing well being protocols preserving in view Guru Nanak Dev’s delivery anniversary on November 30.
Sukhbir stated that there was an amazing sentiment within the Sikh group that the Kartarpur Hall must be reopened on the earliest in order that devotees might pay obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in addition to go to the hallowed space the place Guru Sahib made a residing working towards agriculture for 18 years.
“The Pakistan authorities had opened the hall for journey and permission for a similar was solely awaited from the Indian authorities,” he stated.
The SAD president stated outstanding pilgrimage websites internationally, which have been partially or absolutely closed as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, have been reopened. He stated historical past was made final yr when the Indian authorities determined to open the hall and it was inaugurated by the prime minister on November 9 on the eve of the 550th delivery anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
“Hundreds of devotees visited the ultimate resting place of Guru Sahib within the months following this earlier than the hall was closed briefly on March 16 this yr. I shall be grateful for those who might intervene on this matter contemplating that restrictions on paying obeisance at locations of worship have been relaxed throughout the nation. This can even be in step with the needs of the Sikh group,” the letter added.
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