Indian Sikh devotees reach Nankana Sahib amid massive confusion
1 Nov 2009, 1418 Hrs

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Lahore, Nov.1 Hundreds of Sikh devotees, who were waiting t the Attari railway station for hours to leave for Wagah border n order to reach Nankana Sahib in Pakistan to celebrate the 41st Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, finally heaved a sigh of elief when two trains from Pakistan arrived at Attari on aturday to take them to the holy place.

Following the government's travel advisory, specially to the Sikh ilgrims, warning them against travelling to Pakistan because of he 'deteriorating law and order situation', the India Railways ad said that it would not entertain the special trains sent from akistan to collect the Sikh devotees.

About 1800 pilgrims were left stranded at the Attari railway tation, as there were no trains to take them to the other side f the border.

Amid all the confusion, Pakistani authorities contacted the ndian embassy in Islamabad and persuaded the officials to let he special train enter India.

It was only after an intense dialogue between the two sides that he Indian railways allowed the Pakistani train to cross the order.

"After this development, board chairman Syed Asif Hashmi pproached the Indian embassy officials here and sorted out the ssue finally and we sent two special trains to Attari around oon to bring the Sikhs who were protesting there for non-arrival f Pakistani trains," The Dawn quoted Evacuee Trust Property oard (ETPB) Deputy Director (shrines) Fraz Abbas, as saying.

Pilgrims admitted that situation in Pakistan was not conducive, ut said it was once in a life time opportunity to visit the holy irthplace of Guru Nanak Devji , so they do not wanted to miss he opportunity.

"Though the law and order situation in Pakistan is not ideal but ince this place is very sacred for us we are not afraid of oming here," said Jageer Singh, a member of Shurmani Gurdwara arbhandik Committee (SGPC).

"I am lucky to get a chance to visit the place where my Guru was orn. I may not get this opportunity next time. Visiting Gurdwara anam Asthan is a dream of every Sikh in the world," said another isitor Sorang Singh.

During their 10-day stay in Pakistan, the pilgrims would also isit Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, Gurdwara Panja Sahib in asanabdal and Gurdwara Kartarpur, Narowal. The main function ould be held on November 2 (Monday). (ANI)

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