Another bus to Pakistan

Amidst drumbeats, a light drizzle and colourfully dressed men performing the customary bhangra, the much-awaited bus service between Amritsar and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan was launched today by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

After flagging off the bus with 40 passengers, the prime minister in his speech said, "I am extremely happy to be in Amritsar on this important occasion. This is indeed a memorable day for Punjab." He added that an old wish of devout Sikhs to have free access to Gurudwaras in Pakistan, especially the Nankana Sahib, has now come into being.

Photograph: Rajiv Sharma

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