CHAKWAL: A total of 82 Hindu pilgrims from different states of India left Katas Raj on Monday after paying obeisance for three days to Lord Shiva.

The pilgrims arrived at Katas Raj on Dec 14 where the government had chalked out foolproof security arrangements for them. Evacuee Property Trust Board (ETPB) had made arrangements for their stay near the temple.

A reception was also held for pilgrims on Sunday at the main hall at Katas Raj Temples Complex which was attended by MNA Aftab Jehangir, Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr Aamer Ahmed, ETPB Chairman and other officials concerned.

“Hindus and Sikhs who come from India to Pakistan are our guests and our religion teaches us hospitality and equality,” Mr Jehangir said.

Mr Ahmed in his address regretted India’s treatment of Kashmiri Muslims.

“India should have provided equal rights to Kashmiri Muslims and it must stop killings in Held Kashmir”, he said.

If one hug between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Navjot Singh Sidhu could provide visa free entry to Indian Sikhs, why can’t the people of both Kashmirs meet?, he added.

Leader of Indian pilgrims Shiv Partab Bajaj while speaking on the occasion said he had been visiting Katas Raj since 1982.

“Every year we have been showered with more love and hospitality,” he said while thanking the government and officials of ETPB for making comprehensive arrangements for Indian pilgrims.

However, the ceremony turned sour when local police barred journalists from meeting pilgrims.

SP Maham Khan told journalists that as per directions, no one including journalists was allowed to get close to the pilgrims. Journalists boycotted the ceremony and condemned the behavior of authorities concerned.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2019