LAHORE: At least 157 Sikh pilgrims reached the Wagah railway station by a special train on Wednesday to participate in the Jor Mela.

The special train from Pakistan reached the Wagah railway station at around 10am but Indian authorities allowed it to proceed to Attari to pick Sikh pilgrims at around 4:30pm, citing security reasons.

Evacuee Trust Property Board senior officers and office-bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee welcomed the pilgrims at the Wagah railway station.

Soon after arrival, the pilgrims left for Nankana Sahib in the same train. Headed by a deputy superintendent of police, around 30 railway police commandoes and officials were deputed in the train to ensure foolproof security to the visitors from India.

According to the itinerary, the Sikh pilgrims would first visit the Janamasthan of Baba Gurunanak Sahib at Nankana where they would stay till June 11. The following day, they will leave for Gurdwara Punja Sahib at Hasanabdal. On June 13, they will head for Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore where they will perform respective rituals till June 16. The pilgrims will return to their country on June 17.

Meanwhile, the railways also plan to operate another special train from Sukkur to facilitate Sikhs living in Sindh to participate in the Jor Mela. Staff Reporter