Nankana Sahib (Pakistan): For the first time since the suspension of rail service between India and Pakistan in 2002, a special train has chugged away from Wagah railway station carrying a 'jatha' (pilgrimage) of Sikhs to the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan for the 534th birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev.

Nearly 500 Sikh devotees from all over India crossed over to Pakistan by foot yesterday (Nov 6) and reached the station to catch the train, specially arranged by the Pakistan Government for the devotees heading for Gurudwara Nankana Sahib, 220 km from Wagah.

After the suspension of 'Samjhauta Express' and goods train between the two countries in January 2002, Sikh 'jathas' used to move on buses and cars to reach the different gurudwaras in Pakistan after crossing the international border by foot.

Pakistan Railway officials said it was the first time after a gap of 19 months that a crowd was seen at the station, which was closed down and sealed by the Pakistan Railway authority. The employees in the railway station were transferred to different parts of Pakistan.

This is the first time that the Indian Government has allowed such a large number of devotees to visit Pakistan, with the number not exceeding 200 earlier, particularly after the December 2001 attack on Indian Parliament by Pakistan-based militants that led to the suspension of train services.

The devotees boarded the train from Wagah railway station amidst extraordinary security and the station was sealed even for the rest of the Pakistani nationals.

The 'jatha' arrived in Nankana Sahib last night and was taken to Gurudwara Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, by bus and autorickshaws.

During their 10 days' stay in Pakistan, the devotees will also pay obeisance at Gurudwaras in Lahore and Eminabad.

PTI