117 member SGPC delegation leaves for Pakistan

Amritsar: A special delegation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday departed for Pakistan from Amritsar to participate in the centenary congregation of the Shaheedi Saka (martyrdom massacre) Panja Sahib to be held on October 30.
The delegation 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 member Sukhwarsh Singh, Jagjit Singh Khalsa besides Panja Piaras (five beloved ones).
Meanwhile, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh also left for Pakistan to attend the congregations to be held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.
Speaking at the departure, Bhai Longowal said that the SGPC was jointly organizing the centenary congregations along the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on October 29 and 30.
“The centenary events and congregation of Saka Panja Sahib holds great importance. Therefore, the governments should grant visas to pilgrims with an open heart. Rejecting visas to pilgrim on this occasion is not good,” he said.
“Apart from visiting Gurdwara Panja Sahib, the delegation will also pay obeisance at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore, and return to India on November 1,” said Partap Singh.
The SGPC sent passports of 157 pilgrims for visa approval but only 117 got the visas. (UNI)