India deny’s visas to 200 pilgrims
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Pakistan allegate on Saturday that India has denied visas to nearly 200 pilgrims who wanted to visit the country to attend the death anniversary ritual of Hazrat Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya.
In an official statement released by the Foreign Office, it said, “Pakistan regrets the last minute postponement and non-issuance of visas by India” for the visit of 200 pilgrims who want to attend the Urs ritual (death anniversary) in New Delhi from January 1st to January 8th.
This decision taken by India will deprive all the Pakistan devotees a chance to participate in the ritual, which is of utmost significance, the statement also mentioned. The visit, however, happens to take place under the 1974 provisions act, between Pakistan- India Protocol on visits to Religious Shrines. It is a normal thing and considered an annual feature.
The statement said, it is unfortunate and runs opposite to the protocol made in 1974 and objects to people to people communication. It also said it looks to be violating the bilateral protocol, basic human right to religious freedom.
It is ironic that such an action happened on the occasion of Urs of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya who was considered as a symbol of bringing communities closer, the Foreign Office added.
