A jatha of 2,000 pilgrims today left for Pakistan, with gold plates and other materials to refurbish gurdwaras in the country on the eve of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.It is for the first time since Independence that such valuable materials are being taken to Pakistan for kar sewa at the gurdwaras. Baba Jagtar Singh Kar Sewa Wale and Baba Jeevan Singh Kar Sewa Wale, who are part of the jatha, took 15 pieces of gold weighing about 7.5 kg and five steel pieces for refurbishing the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara.However, there were some last-minute glitches, with around 729 of the pilgrims being denied visas. SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, who flagged off the jatha, said such visits would further strengthen the bonds between the people of the two countries. She, however, slammed Pakistani authorities for denying visas to some pilgrims.Kaur admitted that some pilgrims were forced to return disappointed. ‘‘The religious sentiments of the pilgrims are hurt because of such actions,’’ said the SGPC chief.
