LAHORE: A special jatha of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) arrived here from India to participate in the 100 year centenary congregation of Shaheedi Saka (martyrdom massacre) Panja Sahib to be held tomorrow (Sunday). Additional Secretary Shrines welcomed the Sikh Yatris on their arrival in Pakistan.
The SGPC jatha included former SGPC president Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal, head granthi of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Malkit Singh, SGPC members Bhai Manjit Singh, Mangwinder Singh, Baldev Singh, Amarjit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Ranjit Singh, Paramjit Singh, Paramjit Singh Raipur, Bibi Gurinder Kaur, Bibi Jaspal Kaur, Dharam Prachar Committee (DPC) member Sukhwarsh Singh, Jagjit Singh Khalsa, Panja Piaras (five beloved ones), raagis and the Sangat.
Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh is also said to be part of group to attend the congregations to be held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
Speaking in India before departing for Pakistan, Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal said that the SGPC is jointly organizing centenary congregations related to Shaheedi Saka with Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on October 29 and 30. He said a special SGPC jatha is going to participate in the centenary congregations.
“The centenary events and congregation of Saka Panja Sahib holds great importance; therefore, the governments should grant visas to pilgrims with open heart. Rejecting visas to pilgrim members of special jatha on this occasion is not good”, said Longowal.
Talking on this occasion, group leader Giani Harmeet Singh said “we felt great joy coming to Pakistan, we are extremely grateful to the Pakistani government for giving us best welcome. The 100-year celebrations of Saka Panja Sahib are historic.” Giani Harmeet Singh said participation in the events was also a historic process.
Speaking on this occasion, Rana Shahid said that on the orders of Chairman Waqf Property Board, all arrangements including security and accommodation of Sikh pilgrims were completed.
