LAHORE, Jun 21 (APP):A second batch of 337 Indian Sikh pilgrims arrived here on Sunday via Wagah

border to participate in the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The pilgrims were warmly received by President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara

Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar

Ramesh Singh Arora, Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Qamar-ul-Zaman,

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, Deputy Secretary Shrines Faraz Abbas

and other officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the ETPB had made

comprehensive arrangements for the pilgrims’ stay and boarding. He said it was

encouraging to see a large number of young Sikhs participating in the pilgrimage,

reflecting their strong attachment to religious heritage.

ETPB Chairman Qamar-ul-Zaman said Pakistan was taking practical steps to promote

religious tourism and interfaith harmony and was providing Sikh pilgrims with a safe,

peaceful and welcoming environment. He added that the board was continuously

working for the preservation and improvement of places of worship belonging to

minority communities.

Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said special arrangements had been

made for security, transportation, accommodation, langar, medical assistance,

mineral water and other facilities for the pilgrims. He said Rescue 1122 vehicles

and ambulances had also been deployed to facilitate the visiting devotees.

Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani

Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee appreciated the arrangements and thanked the

Pakistan government for facilitating the pilgrimage. They said Pakistan was playing

a commendable role in promoting religious freedom and interfaith harmony.

The main ceremonies marking the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

would be held on June 29 at the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.

Sikh yatrees arrive in city