New Delhi: Even as the ties between New Delhi and Islamabad continue to remain strained, the ashes of 480 Hindus and Sikhs were brought from the neighbouring country for immersion in the Ganga river in Haridwar. The group will be immersed in ashes on February 21.
Sharing the plans, Ramnath Maharaj, the Karach-based priest of Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, who led the group, said, “Our group has a 30-day visa for India. The ashes will be immersed on February 21 in the holy river Ganga.”
‘Ashes had been with families for several areas’
He added, “The group collected ashes which had been there with the families for several years. Taking into account the sentiments of the Hindu community which wants that the mortal remains of their loved ones to be immersed at Haridwar, the government of India must relax visa norms for the community members”.
Earlier too, The group of Hindus from Pakistan reached India in 2011 and 2016 with the ashes of the deceased As per Mishra, this is the third visit by the group since 1947, carrying the ashes of Hindus to immerse them in India.
A special train reached Wagah
Notably, a special train had left from the Cantt Railway Station with ashes to Wagah. The initiative helped in realising the long wishes of Pakistani Hindus to perform the final rites of their dear ones in India. These ashes have been earlier kept at Sonpuri Shamshan Ghat in Karachi since 2011.
A prayer ceremony was held at Karach’s Soldier Bazaar before the departure of ashes. Several people from the Hindu community reached the place to offer prayers Speaking at the event, Ram Nath Maharaj expressed gratitude his gratitude.
Earlier, people had also gathered at the Shamshan Ghat in Karachi for prayers. They also deposited their ashes at the Shamshan Ghat as it was necessary to have a slip from the cremation ground as well as the death certificate of the deceased.
