CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday criticised the Centre for prohibiting Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 1.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Mann accused the BJP-led central government of adopting a hostile approach towards Punjabis. “Punjab is being targeted on a daily basis. Now, the Centre has banned devotees from going to Pakistan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji,” he said.
The Chief Minister alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “playing with the sentiments of Punjabis.” He added, “If live cricket matches can be played with Pakistan, then why can’t devotees pay obeisance at Baba’s doorstep? Cricket matches and movies can wait, but there should never be a ban on celebrating Gurpurab or any religious occasion.”
Mann further questioned the rationale behind the decision, asking, “What is the fault of the devotees? A consensus is reached on cricket matches, but faith is banned.”
