PHAGWARA: Former Member of Parliament Avinash Rai Khanna has taken strong exception to reports that Hindu pilgrims traveling to Pakistan to pay obeisance at Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, were allegedly stopped by Pakistan immigration authorities despite having completed all required formalities.
According to information shared by Khanna’s office, the pilgrims were scheduled to visit Nankana Sahib on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary. Khanna termed the reported action of Pakistan authorities as an attempt to disturb the harmonious relationship between Hindu and Sikh communities.
Joti Kumar Jolly, representing Khanna’s office, stated that upon receiving the information, Khanna condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate attempt to create a divide. “Pakistan’s action is not just disrespectful to the sentiments of the pilgrims, but also a targeted move to weaken Hindu–Sikh brotherhood, ” he alleged.
Khanna has written to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging the central government to take strict action and raise the matter with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. “Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs. Preventing devotees from visiting Nankana Sahib is an assault on our religious sentiments and communal harmony, ” Khanna said in the letter.
Khanna further stated that such actions reflect a “malicious intent to disrupt peace and brotherhood, ” and stressed the need for India to respond firmly.