“We have written to the PM and the Pak High Commission. We want the High Commission to assure us about the security of thousands of pilgrims,” said Makkar, adding that they have even completed various formalities for sending pilgrims.

A 1,800-member jatha has recently returned from Pakistan after paying obeisance.

During the daily prayers (ardaas), Sikhs pray for unhindered opportunity to pay obeisance at their religious places in Pakistan. Jathas go to Pakistan mostly through the thrice-a-week Samjhauta Express from Attari Railway station. The pilgrims’ tour faced no roadblocks even during the Kargil War. However, jathas were held back from 1997 to 1999 by the SGPC in protest against Pakistan’s move to constitute their own Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).