LAHORE: 650 Sikh pilgrims who were in Pakistan to attend the Vaisakhi—also known as Baisakhi—Festival left for India on a special train via the Wagah Border. A total of 1730 pilgrims will leave for India in three special trains. Controversy marred the Festival this year, when the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Pakistan of preventing the Indian High Commissioner from meeting the Sikh pilgrims. Pakistan’s Foreign Office retorted and claimed that the High Commissioner did not meet the Sikh pilgrims to prevent any “untoward incidents”, and the Indian High Commission had been informed of this decision. Pakistan’s Foreign Office also released a statement over the issue that highlighted Pakistan’s cordial attitude towards religious visitors. The statement read, “For decades, Pakistan has made excellent arrangements to facilitate the visits of Sikh yatrees from across the world, including India, and extended protocol, reception, security, medical and other facilities. This is consistent with our religious ethos and traditions of hospitality.”