94 Haryana Sikh Pilgrims Return from Attari-Wagah Border After Security Clearance Delay

A group of 94 Sikh pilgrims from Haryana was forced to return from the Attari-Wagah border after allegedly failing to receive final security clearance in time, despite holding valid visas for a pilgrimage to Pakistan's historic Sikh shrines.

The pilgrims were scheduled to visit revered gurdwaras in Pakistan on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev , the fifth Sikh Guru. However, after waiting at the international border until late Wednesday, the group abandoned its journey and returned home.

The Akal Panthak Morcha , a Sikh organization, accused both the Centre and the Haryana government of administrative lapses that prevented the pilgrims from undertaking the religious visit. The body alleged that delays in submitting verification reports and granting security clearance left the devotees stranded despite completing visa formalities.

According to Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) president Jagdish Singh Jhinda , the pilgrimage notification reached the committee only on June 3, two days after its issuance, leaving limited time to complete documentation and verification procedures. The file was subsequently forwarded to the Centre, but the required clearance reportedly did not arrive before the group's departure.

The incident highlights the difficulties faced by Sikh pilgrims in cross-border religious travel , where administrative approvals can affect access to sacred sites. Many of Sikhism's most revered shrines are located in Pakistan, making such pilgrimages an important means for devotees to connect with their spiritual heritage and religious traditions .

Meanwhile, a separate group of 514 Sikh pilgrims sponsored by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) successfully crossed into Pakistan on Wednesday. In total, around 700 pilgrims were expected to participate in the pilgrimage from various Sikh bodies across India.