CM Mann Slams Ban on Sikh Pilgrims Pakistan Visit
Chandigarh – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday strongly criticized the Modi government for denying Sikh pilgrims permission to visit Pakistan on the occasion of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Calling the move “an attack on the religious sentiments of Punjabis,” Mann said the decision has bruised the psyche of the Sikh community. He argued that while cricket matches with Pakistan are permitted, Sikhs are barred from visiting Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib, two of the holiest Sikh shrines across the border.
The Chief Minister said devotion cannot wait. “Politics can wait, cricket can wait, but faith cannot wait,” he remarked, warning the Centre against “playing with the emotions of Punjabis.”
Cricket Allowed, Pilgrimage Denied
Mann questioned the “double standards” of the BJP government. He pointed out that despite tensions with Pakistan, India played a cricket match because of pressure from influential leaders. Yet, Sikh devotees were barred from crossing the border to offer prayers.
He accused the Centre of hypocrisy, noting that films with Pakistani actors are banned, but cricket ties are maintained. “When the Cricket Board is under the control of the Home Minister’s son, suddenly playing a match with Pakistan becomes a compulsion,” Mann alleged.
The CM said it was deeply unjust that Punjabi artists and film producers are labelled “traitors,” but no such criticism arises when cricket generates revenue that benefits Pakistan.
Emotional Connect with Sikh Shrines
Highlighting the historical importance of Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Mann said Kartarpur Sahib was where Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his final years, while Nankana Sahib was his birthplace. “These places are sacred, not political,” he stressed, adding that denying access hurts the collective emotions of Sikhs worldwide.
He asked the central government whether the interests of “one powerful family” were more important than the religious rights of millions of devotees.
Centre Ignoring Punjab’s Needs
Mann also attacked the Modi government for neglecting Punjab in times of crisis. He said that while India sent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan during its disasters, the Centre failed to release relief funds for Punjab’s devastating floods.
The CM noted that the Centre has not released ₹1,600 crore promised by the Prime Minister. He accused the BJP of holding a long-standing grudge against Punjab and its people.
“Punjab made supreme sacrifices in the freedom struggle. Yet today, the state is deliberately ignored when it comes to aid and development,” he said.
Criticism of Punjab BJP Leaders
Mann further targeted state BJP leaders, including Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Singh Bittu, for siding with the Centre. He alleged that these leaders mislead the people of Punjab while ignoring their duty to stand up for Sikh rights.
“They joined the BJP for their vested interests. Punjabis know the dubious character of these leaders,” Mann asserted, adding that both BJP and Akali Dal had exploited the state’s resources.
Punjab’s Role in Nation-Building
Reiterating Punjab’s importance to India’s self-reliance, Mann said the state has always stood at the forefront of national food security. He accused the Modi government of treating Punjab with bias while offering generous development packages to states like Assam and Bihar based on electoral considerations.
“The selective approval and bans imposed by the Centre expose their anti-Punjab mindset. If they had their way, they would remove Punjab’s name from the national anthem,” Mann warned.
He concluded by asserting that Punjab does not need any certificate of patriotism from the ruling government.