The Indian government has formally raised a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan following an incident where 14 Indian Hindu pilgrims were denied entry by Pakistani authorities. The event occurred during the recent celebrations for the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, despite the pilgrims holding valid travel documents.
Government Confirms Incident and Lodges Protest
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, confirmed the government's action in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The minister was responding to a question raised by Punjab-based member Satnam Singh Sandhu, who sought to know if the government was aware of the reports and what steps were being taken.
Minister Singh stated that the Government of India was fully aware of the denial of entry. In response, Indian authorities have lodged a strong protest with the government of Pakistan. The protest urged Pakistan to refrain from engaging in any discriminatory practices, particularly those based on religious grounds.
Violation of the 1974 Bilateral Agreement
The action by Pakistan is seen as a direct violation of a key bilateral pact. The incident contravenes the 1974 protocol agreement between India and Pakistan on visits to religious shrines. This agreement explicitly stipulates that pilgrimages from one country to the other shall be permitted without any discrimination based on religion or sect.
Satnam Singh Sandhu's question specifically highlighted whether this denial constituted a breach of this longstanding agreement. The government's reply affirms that the protest was lodged precisely on these grounds, emphasizing the protocol's mandate for non-discriminatory access for religious devotees.
Broader Implications for Diplomatic Relations
This incident adds another layer of strain to the complex India-Pakistan relationship, especially concerning the treatment of religious minorities and the adherence to bilateral agreements. The Indian government's firm stance underscores its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens to undertake religious pilgrimages without facing prejudice.
The protest signals that India will actively challenge any actions by Pakistan that are perceived as discriminatory or in violation of mutually agreed-upon frameworks. The focus remains on ensuring that the sanctity of the 1974 agreement is upheld for all future religious visits.
