Faith Over Politics: SGPC Slams Government After Nankana Sahib Pilgrimage is Cancelled

For thousands of Sikh devotees in India, the annual pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan is a deeply spiritual journey to the birthplace of their founder, Guru Nanak Dev. But this year, their hopes have been dashed. Citing security reasons amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the central government has called off the pilgrimage, leaving a trail of disappointment and anger.The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the leading Sikh religious body, has come out strongly against the decision. They feel the government's move is a direct blow to the religious sentiments of the community and questions the timing, especially when other channels like sporting events and trade continue between the two nations.A Last-Minute Heartbreak for PilgrimsFor many, this wasn't just a trip; it was a lifelong dream. Preparations were in full swing. Passports were submitted, bags were packed, and hearts were set on paying homage at one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines. The abrupt cancellation, communicated at the eleventh hour, has left hundreds of pilgrims heartbroken.The SGPC argues that religious pilgrimages should be kept separate from the political tensions between the two countries They believe that dialogue and faith-based ties can often act as a bridge, even when diplomatic relations are strained. “If cricket matches can be played, then why stop devotees from visiting their holy sites?” is a question many are askingTensions Cast a Long ShadowThis isn't the first time that political friction has impacted such religious journeys The relationship between India and Pakistan is often fragile, and any security incident can have immediate consequences, including the sealing of borders and the suspension of travel agreements. The government, for its part, maintains that the safety of its citizens is the top priority and that the decision was made based on credible security threats.However, for the devotees who were all set to go, these explanations offer little comfort. Their spiritual journey has been halted, caught in the crossfire of national politics. The cancellation has once again sparked a debate on whether faith and devotion should have to pay the price for the political disagreements between the two nations