As many as 2,200 Sikh Yatrees (pilgrims) led by Sardar Amreek Singh and Jaspal Singh from India have arrived here through Wahga border on Tuesday to celebrate the annual Besakhi festival. The Sikh Yatrees arrived by three special trains of Pakistan Railways from India. Chairman Evacuees Trust Property Board (ETPB) Syed Asif Ali Hashmi welcomed Yatrees when their train arrived at Wahga Railway station.
ETPB Addition Secretary Shrines Zahid Hussain Bokhari, Deputy Secretary Faraz Abbas, Azhar Sulehri, Sardar Sham Singh Chairman Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parabandhak Committee and a large number of local Sikh leaders and ETPB officers were also present on the occasion.
Talking to journalists, Syed Asif Ali Hashmi said that ETPB has made special arrangements for Sikh Yatrees. He said ETPB had served free langar (meal) and established a free medical camp at Wahga station. The department would also provide free transportation, meal, medical and residential facilities to all Yatrees during their stay in Pakistan. He also expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements for Besakhi Festival.
After customs and immigration clearance at Wahga station, Sikh Yatrees left for Hassan Abdal where they would stay at Gurdwara Panja Sahib for performing their religious rituals. Sikh Yatrees would stay in Pakistan till April 19.
It may be mentioned here that approximately 3.000 Sikh Yatrees are expected to reach Wagha Border to participate in the Behsaki festival. Pakistan Railways police have made special security arrangements on the directions of Syed Ibne Hussain, Inspector General Police (IGP) Railways. All SPs of Pakistan Railways Police had arranged strict security plan and commandos have been deployed with the Sikh special trains.
Lady commandos have also been deployed with the train for the security of lady Sikhs. Railway police bomb disposal staff have checked all the empty racks and Railway Station Nankana Sahib, Lahore, Hassanabdal and Badami Bagh with the co-ordination of the Local District Police and administration. A foolproof security rehearsal has also been conducted. IGP Railways issued special direction to Railway police and other staff for good behaviour and conduct with the Sikh Yatrees so that they remember the services of PRP in their country.