Avoid Urs at Ajmer: India to Pakistan

India wants Pakistan to call off the visit of Pakistani pilgrims to the annual ‘urs’ at the Sufi shrine in Ajmer for security reasons. HT reports.

India wants Pakistan to call off the visit of Pakistani pilgrims to the annual ‘urs’ at the Sufi shrine in Ajmer for security reasons.

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Indian deputy high commissioner Gopal Baglay conveyed the recommendation to the Pakistan’s foreign ministry, said a statement from Pakistan foreign office.

Pakistan said due to the “prevailing security environment in India following recent bilateral incidents, India would not be in a position to ensure the safety and security” of Pakistani pilgrims scheduled to visit Ajmer to participate in the annual urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti during May 13-23.

India had made the recommendation in the wake of tension following deaths of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh and Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah.

‘Why no Haj panel?’
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Husain on Friday sought to know why the Central Haj Committee — to be constituted in January — hasn’t been constituted yet.

“The committee has 19 members ...the nominated members haven’t yet been announced, and the delay is because people from Amethi and Rae Bareli are being sought to be accommodated,” Husain, one of the MPs on the panel, said.