Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to respect Sikh sentiments. He appealed to allow devotees to visit Nankana Sahib during Guru Nanak Dev’s Parkash Purb in November.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said national security was important but added that faith and traditions should not be ignored. He called it disheartening that the spiritual practices of lakhs of Sikhs were repeatedly sacrificed due to Indo-Pak tensions.
BJP leaders, including Som Parkash and Avinash Rai Khanna, backed the Centre’s stand. They stressed that while Sikhs deeply revered historic shrines across the border, the safety of pilgrims must come first. They also pointed out that the nation’s security could not be compromised under any circumstances.
The issue once again highlights the emotional bond of Sikhs with shrines in Pakistan. It also shows the continuing struggle to balance religious devotion with national security.
