India lodges protest with Pak over badgering of officials, denial of access to pilgrims

New Delhi, Nov 23 India Friday stopped a solid challenge with Pakistan over the supposed badgering of Indian High Commission authorities in Islamabad and the disavowal of access to Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting that nation.

The Ministry of External Affairs said consular authorities of the Indian High Commission were "harassed and denied access" to meet Indian pilgrims at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda on November 21 and 22.

It said the entrance was denied in spite of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry allowing them earlier travel permission.

In a statement, the MEA said India has additionally communicated grave worry at the reports of endeavors being made amid the progressing visit of the Indian pilgrims to Pakistan, "to actuate mutual disharmony and narrow mindedness and advance secessionist propensities with the target of undermining India's power and territorial integrity".

There were reports that pro-Khalistani banners were appeared to the Indian pilgrims in Pakistan.

It said Pakistan has been called upon to take all measures to not enable its domain to be used for any "threatening publicity" and support for "secessionist tendencies" against India.