Nothing wrong in playing cricket with Pakistan, Sikh pilgrims should be allowed to visit birthplace of Guru Nanak: Akal Takht Jathedar

“If the governments truly want peace and progress in the region, it is essential that India and Pakistan improve relations and open trade routes,” said Gargaj.

The Indian government denied permission for Sikh pilgrims to visit Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak in Pakistan’s Punjab province, in the wake of the tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Gargaj said that under an agreement between the two countries, Sikh jathas visit historic gurdwaras in Pakistan every year to pay obeisance. “With this latest decision, the Government of India is depriving the Sikh community of participation in the celebrations at Sri Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, which is absolutely wrong,” he said.

Gargaj added that the bitterness between the two countries “should not affect community-to-community relations”. He urged that issues be resolved with goodwill and dialogue.

He also appealed to the Pakistan government “to ensure and guarantee the safety of Sikh pilgrims to the Government of India, if the jatha is allowed to visit”.

He said, “If the two countries can play cricket or other sports with each other, it is a positive step that deserves appreciation, as it improves mutual relations. But the same policy should also apply regarding Sikh jathas.”

Gargaj also criticised Opposition parties, including those active in Punjab, for protesting against cricket matches with Pakistan. “Any political party in Punjab should rise above narrow interests and welcome any step that strengthens bilateral ties by showing a big heart, because only mutual cooperation and love, not hatred, can ensure peace in the region,” he said.

He added that “nothing wrong has happened with the playing of cricket matches between India and Pakistan, and the same approach should be adopted for Sikh pilgrim jathas.”

He also said Sikh organisations have been demanding the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which remains closed. “Now the government has dealt another blow to Sikh sentiments by stopping even the annual jathas that travel with proper visas under the bilateral agreement,” he said.

He recalled that during the Partition of 1947, Sikhs and Punjabis were separated from their historic Gurdwaras. “Now Sikhs feel they are being discriminated against and alienated,” he said.