Some 2,500 white-clad followers of the Universal White Brotherhood society gathered next to a glacial lake high in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains on Monday (August 19) to celebrate their divine new year.

Pilgrims dance in cosmic energy ritual in Bulgaria

Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders.

Pakistan has also agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims, every day, &nbsp;to visit the Gurdwara on foot, both as individuals or in groups, Home Ministry's Joint Secretary (Internal Security) SCL Das told reporters in a press conference.

Pakistan has also agreed&nbsp;to build a bridge on its side.

The Indian side had told the Pakistani delegation that due to the high demand expected, at least 5,000 pilgrims should be allowed to visit Kartarpur Sahib each day.

The Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in Ministry of Home Affairs and Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) in Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

"Pakistan side has assured our delegation in response to the request made that no anti-India activity will be allowed by them," SCL Das said.

"The Government is fully confident that India would be ready to commence the pilgrimage through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-talks-pakistan-removes-khalistani-radical-gopal-singh-chawala-from-top-pakistan-sikh-body-under-pressure-from-india-235410">Kartarpur corridor </a>on the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji," he added.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Watch: India-Pak hold meet on Kartarpur corridor

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The first round of talks was held in Attari on March 14 in the shadow of escalating bilateral tensions following the Pulwama terror attack by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14.

India had urged Pakistan to take into consideration the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-to-focus-on-facilities-for-pilgrims-234441">sentiments of the pilgrims</a> to have smooth, easy, unrestricted access throughout the year to be able to visit the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. In this context, the following requests were reiterated:

1: 5,000 pilgrims be allowed to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor every day given the expected high demand on our side. 
2: 10,000 additional pilgrims be allowed to visit on special occasions. 
3: There should be no restrictions on the pilgrims in terms of their faith. 
4: Not only Indian nationals but also the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) holding OCI cards be allowed to use the Kartarpur Corridor facility. 
5: The movement should be visa-free and Pakistan should reconsider charging any fee or introducing any permit system. 
6: Pilgrims should be allowed to visit throughout the year, seven days a week. 
7: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit as individuals or in a group. 
8: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit on-foot on pilgrimage to the holy shrine. 
9: Provisions should be made for the preparation and distribution of langar and prasad for the pilgrims.

Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders.

Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders. Pakistan has also agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims, every day, to visit the Gurdwara on foot, both as individuals or in groups, Home Ministry's Joint Secretary (Internal Security) SCL Das told reporters in a press conference. Pakistan has also agreed to build a bridge on its side. The Indian side had told the Pakistani delegation that due to the high demand expected, at least 5,000 pilgrims should be allowed to visit Kartarpur Sahib each day. The Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in Ministry of Home Affairs and Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) in Ministry of External Affairs. "Pakistan side has assured our delegation in response to the request made that no anti-India activity will be allowed by them," SCL Das said. "The Government is fully confident that India would be ready to commence the pilgrimage through Kartarpur corridor on the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji," he added. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Watch: India-Pak hold meet on Kartarpur corridor × The first round of talks was held in Attari on March 14 in the shadow of escalating bilateral tensions following the Pulwama terror attack by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14. India had urged Pakistan to take into consideration the sentiments of the pilgrims to have smooth, easy, unrestricted access throughout the year to be able to visit the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. In this context, the following requests were reiterated: 1: 5,000 pilgrims be allowed to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor every day given the expected high demand on our side. 2: 10,000 additional pilgrims be allowed to visit on special occasions. 3: There should be no restrictions on the pilgrims in terms of their faith. 4: Not only Indian nationals but also the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) holding OCI cards be allowed to use the Kartarpur Corridor facility. 5: The movement should be visa-free and Pakistan should reconsider charging any fee or introducing any permit system. 6: Pilgrims should be allowed to visit throughout the year, seven days a week. 7: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit as individuals or in a group. 8: Pilgrims should have the choice to visit on-foot on pilgrimage to the holy shrine. 9: Provisions should be made for the preparation and distribution of langar and prasad for the pilgrims.

Kartarpur corridor talks round two ends; Pakistan agrees to 5000 pilgrims daily

In a significant move, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman YV Subba Reddy today announced that soon the VVIPs darshan slots popularly known as L1, L2, L3 will be discontinued to give more preference to common pilgrims. &nbsp;

It had become a big task for TTD to give preference for vvips to facilitate quick darshan of Lord Balaji over common pilgrims who have to wait for hours together for the same Lord darshan.

"I have been maintaining since day one of assuming charge that in line with our Chief Miniter YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directive that there should be transparency in every sphere, I have decided to bring the same in TTD. As part of that L1, L2, L3 &nbsp;VVIPs darshans will be soon discontinued. We will chalk out how to take care of protocols. The main aim is to give preference to common pilgrims," YV Subba Reddy said.

In a significant move, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman YV Subba Reddy today announced that soon the VVIPs darshan slots popularly known as L1, L2, L3 will be discontinued to give more preference to common pilgrims.

In a significant move, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman YV Subba Reddy today announced that soon the VVIPs darshan slots popularly known as L1, L2, L3 will be discontinued to give more preference to common pilgrims. It had become a big task for TTD to give preference for vvips to facilitate quick darshan of Lord Balaji over common pilgrims who have to wait for hours together for the same Lord darshan. "I have been maintaining since day one of assuming charge that in line with our Chief Miniter YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directive that there should be transparency in every sphere, I have decided to bring the same in TTD. As part of that L1, L2, L3 VVIPs darshans will be soon discontinued. We will chalk out how to take care of protocols. The main aim is to give preference to common pilgrims," YV Subba Reddy said.

VVIPs slot in Tirupati to be discontinued: TTD chairman Subba Reddy

India will be raising the issues related to providing facilities for pilgrims which includes allowing a large number of pilgrims access to the Kartarpur gurudwara through the corridor in the upcoming India-Pakistan officials meet in Wagah, Pakistan.

India had&nbsp;proposed 5000 pilgrims per day which Pakistan is not keen on saying it can allow only 700 people on designated days with a permit.

This is the second meet of the officials that will take place, the first happened in March on the Indian side of the Wagah Attari border. Three rounds of technical meetings have already taken place between both sides.&nbsp;

India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding. New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings.

India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

Work on the Indian side of the corridor is going on a fast pace with India building a passenger terminal building which is expected to be completed by 31 October 2019 and a four-lane highway connecting zero points at India-Pakistan border of the corridor with national highway 354.

The deadline for completion of the highway is September 30 2019, and as of now, 45% of work has been completed.

The total cost of the bus terminal and road is Rs 297.5 crore.

India will be raising the issues related to providing facilities for pilgrims which includes allowing a large number of pilgrims access to the Kartarpur gurudwara through the corridor in the upcoming India-Pakistan officials meet in Wagah, Pakistan.

India will be raising the issues related to providing facilities for pilgrims which includes allowing a large number of pilgrims access to the Kartarpur gurudwara through the corridor in the upcoming India-Pakistan officials meet in Wagah, Pakistan. India had proposed 5000 pilgrims per day which Pakistan is not keen on saying it can allow only 700 people on designated days with a permit. This is the second meet of the officials that will take place, the first happened in March on the Indian side of the Wagah Attari border. Three rounds of technical meetings have already taken place between both sides. India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding. New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings. India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor. Work on the Indian side of the corridor is going on a fast pace with India building a passenger terminal building which is expected to be completed by 31 October 2019 and a four-lane highway connecting zero points at India-Pakistan border of the corridor with national highway 354. The deadline for completion of the highway is September 30 2019, and as of now, 45% of work has been completed. The total cost of the bus terminal and road is Rs 297.5 crore.

Kartarpur corridor talks: India to focus on facilities for pilgrims

Just like its false promises on terrorism, Pakistan has been found indulging in a duplicitous game on the much-hyped Kartarpur issue too as it has proposed a number of restrictions on the movement of pilgrims, thus defeating the very purpose of having a dedicated corridor.

Pakistan has said that the number of Indian pilgrims visiting the shrine in that country should be capped at 500 even while India has approved facilities wherein up to 5,000 pilgrims can be handled daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, government sources said here on Friday.

Pakistan, after having assured visa-free passage to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, has now brought in, through the back door, the requirement of issue special permits by them to pilgrim, which defeats the basic purpose of having a dedicated corridor, the sources said, a day after the two countries first delegation-level talks to operationalise the corridor.

The meeting was held at Attari in Gurdaspur district of Punjab yesterday during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries for facilitating smooth and easy access to Corridor Kartarpur Sahib to the visiting Indian pilgrims were discussed.

Against the hype created by the Pakistan government and Pakistan media, its actual offer on the ground turned out to be a damp squib, the sources said.

Pakistan's double-speak on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor stood exposed in the first meeting on the proposal as there is a considerable difference in what Pakistan authorities, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, had announced on various occasions, and in what they have offered now, the sources said.

The sources likened it to Pakistan’s old reputation of making false promises and tall claims but delivering nothing as has been the case of so-called ‘Naya’ (new) Pakistan which has failed to act against the terror infrastructure and terrorist havens on its soil, despite assurances given to the international community.

Having tried to first create a hype about the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan now seeks to impose too many restrictions on the proposed corridor facility, like capping the number of pilgrims to only 500 per day, seeking to restrict the corridor facility to only Indian Sikh `Yatris', not allowing movement, of devotees on foot, restricting the travel into groups of at least 15 persons, issue of special permits despite assurance of visa-free movement, they said.

While the Government of India has made a serious effort to fulfil the long-standing aspiration of the Indian pilgrims and devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev abroad, Pakistan has tried to scuttle the move through its highly inadequate and restrictive responses to the Indian requests which were conveyed, in the form of a draft Agreement, to Pakistan few days ago by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the sources said.

Its approach to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reflects a thinly-veiled attempt to conceal its narrow, ulterior objectives of pursuing its subversive and divisive agenda against India and encouraging elements inimical to India, they said.

While India has approved a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building, with all modern amenities and capacity to handle over 5,000 pilgrims daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, Pakistan has sought to limit it to mere 500 pilgrims per day, the sources said.

India is also shocked to learn that Pakistan has allowed rampant encroachment on the lands belonging to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the sources said.

These lands, donated to the Gurdwara by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and other eminent Sikh devotees over a period of time, have also been acquired by the government of Pakistan.

India has protested against the impropriety of arbitrarily depriving the Gurdwara of its legal possessions, in utter disregard to the sentiments of the devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev in India, the sources said.

Strong demand has been made by the Indian side for early restoration of these lands to the Gurdwara, keeping in view the strong sentiments on the issue among devotees in India.

Just like its false promises on terrorism, Pakistan has been found indulging in a duplicitous game on the much-hyped Kartarpur issue too as it has proposed a number of restrictions on the movement of pilgrims, thus defeating the very purpose of having a dedicated corridor.

Just like its false promises on terrorism, Pakistan has been found indulging in a duplicitous game on the much-hyped Kartarpur issue too as it has proposed a number of restrictions on the movement of pilgrims, thus defeating the very purpose of having a dedicated corridor. Pakistan has said that the number of Indian pilgrims visiting the shrine in that country should be capped at 500 even while India has approved facilities wherein up to 5,000 pilgrims can be handled daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, government sources said here on Friday. Pakistan, after having assured visa-free passage to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, has now brought in, through the back door, the requirement of issue special permits by them to pilgrim, which defeats the basic purpose of having a dedicated corridor, the sources said, a day after the two countries first delegation-level talks to operationalise the corridor. The meeting was held at Attari in Gurdaspur district of Punjab yesterday during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries for facilitating smooth and easy access to Corridor Kartarpur Sahib to the visiting Indian pilgrims were discussed. Against the hype created by the Pakistan government and Pakistan media, its actual offer on the ground turned out to be a damp squib, the sources said. Pakistan's double-speak on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor stood exposed in the first meeting on the proposal as there is a considerable difference in what Pakistan authorities, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, had announced on various occasions, and in what they have offered now, the sources said. The sources likened it to Pakistan’s old reputation of making false promises and tall claims but delivering nothing as has been the case of so-called ‘Naya’ (new) Pakistan which has failed to act against the terror infrastructure and terrorist havens on its soil, despite assurances given to the international community. Having tried to first create a hype about the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan now seeks to impose too many restrictions on the proposed corridor facility, like capping the number of pilgrims to only 500 per day, seeking to restrict the corridor facility to only Indian Sikh `Yatris', not allowing movement, of devotees on foot, restricting the travel into groups of at least 15 persons, issue of special permits despite assurance of visa-free movement, they said. While the Government of India has made a serious effort to fulfil the long-standing aspiration of the Indian pilgrims and devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev abroad, Pakistan has tried to scuttle the move through its highly inadequate and restrictive responses to the Indian requests which were conveyed, in the form of a draft Agreement, to Pakistan few days ago by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the sources said. Its approach to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reflects a thinly-veiled attempt to conceal its narrow, ulterior objectives of pursuing its subversive and divisive agenda against India and encouraging elements inimical to India, they said. While India has approved a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building, with all modern amenities and capacity to handle over 5,000 pilgrims daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, Pakistan has sought to limit it to mere 500 pilgrims per day, the sources said. India is also shocked to learn that Pakistan has allowed rampant encroachment on the lands belonging to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the sources said. These lands, donated to the Gurdwara by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and other eminent Sikh devotees over a period of time, have also been acquired by the government of Pakistan. India has protested against the impropriety of arbitrarily depriving the Gurdwara of its legal possessions, in utter disregard to the sentiments of the devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev in India, the sources said. Strong demand has been made by the Indian side for early restoration of these lands to the Gurdwara, keeping in view the strong sentiments on the issue among devotees in India.

After hype on Kartarpur, Pakistan wants restrictions on movement of pilgrims

The Pakistan government's decision to abolish the Haj subsidy will save Rs 450 crore to national exchequer, the country's Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Noorul Haq Qadri has said.

The decision to abolish the Haj subsidy was taken during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad recently, sparking a debate whether Islam allows a subsidised Haj or not.

"The previous (PML-N) government was paying Rs 42,000 subsidy on each pilgrim which put an additional burden of Rs 450 crore on national exchequer. Keeping the current financial situation of the country, the Federal Cabinet has decided to withdraw this subsidy," Qadri was quoted as saying by The News on Tuesday.

This year 184,000 Pakistanis will perform Haj out of which 107,000 will go on government quota whereas the remaining will perform the pilgrimage on private quota, the minister said.

"The government has withdrawn Rs 450 crore financial assistance which it was paying as subsidy for the pilgrims. Major chunk of Haj's inflated price is due to rupee devaluation and Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by the Saudi government," he said.

"Pakistan's Haj expenditure are still the lowest in the region if you count it in US dollar as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia are charging more in term of US dollars. My ministry had proposed that the subsidy should not be abolished but the Federal Cabinet decided against it," the minister said.

Last week, the federal government increased Haj prices up to 60 per cent putting an additional burden of up to Rs 156,000 on each pilgrim.

The political leaders of opposition parties have criticised Prime Minister Khan's government for abolishing subsidy and increasing Haj price.

The Haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.

The Pakistan government's decision to abolish the Haj subsidy will save Rs 450 crore to national exchequer, the country's Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Noorul Haq Qadri has said.

The Pakistan government's decision to abolish the Haj subsidy will save Rs 450 crore to national exchequer, the country's Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Noorul Haq Qadri has said. The decision to abolish the Haj subsidy was taken during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad recently, sparking a debate whether Islam allows a subsidised Haj or not. "The previous (PML-N) government was paying Rs 42,000 subsidy on each pilgrim which put an additional burden of Rs 450 crore on national exchequer. Keeping the current financial situation of the country, the Federal Cabinet has decided to withdraw this subsidy," Qadri was quoted as saying by The News on Tuesday. This year 184,000 Pakistanis will perform Haj out of which 107,000 will go on government quota whereas the remaining will perform the pilgrimage on private quota, the minister said. "The government has withdrawn Rs 450 crore financial assistance which it was paying as subsidy for the pilgrims. Major chunk of Haj's inflated price is due to rupee devaluation and Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed by the Saudi government," he said. "Pakistan's Haj expenditure are still the lowest in the region if you count it in US dollar as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia are charging more in term of US dollars. My ministry had proposed that the subsidy should not be abolished but the Federal Cabinet decided against it," the minister said. Last week, the federal government increased Haj prices up to 60 per cent putting an additional burden of up to Rs 156,000 on each pilgrim. The political leaders of opposition parties have criticised Prime Minister Khan's government for abolishing subsidy and increasing Haj price. The Haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.

Pakistan government to save Rs 450 crore by abolishing Haj subsidy to pilgrims: Minister

In pics: Significance of taking a dip on 'Mauni Amavasya' at ongoing Kumbh Mela

Pope Francis winds up a global gathering of young Catholics on Sunday with a giant open-air mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims before leaving Panama.

The pope, who on Saturday admitted the Church had been "wounded" by a deepening clergy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">sex abuse crisis</a>, will celebrate the second open-air mass of his visit at a park on the outskirts of Panama City.

After mass, scheduled for early in the morning to avoid high temperatures, the 82-year-old pope will meet young people living with AIDS and HIV at the Good Samaritan home in the city.

Francis will thank hundreds of World Youth Day volunteers at a stadium in the afternoon before a farewell ceremony and a flight back to Rome.

The pope acknowledged Saturday that the Church was "wounded by sin" in a homily addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

Church 'wounded by sin'&nbsp;

Celebrating mass at the landmark Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama City, Francis warned of the "weariness of hope that comes from seeing a Church wounded by sin, which has so often failed to hear all those cries."

At a lunch meeting with 10 young pilgrims, Francis said sex abuse by the clergy was "a horrible crime," according to one of the guests.

Later, at a massive vigil that the organizers said drew 600,000 pilgrims, the pope called on young people to reject the temptation to live their lives online and urged them to get involved in their communities.

Life was not "in the cloud, waiting to be downloaded, a new app to be discovered, or a technique of mental self-improvement," the pontiff said during his grandfatherly discourse.

The Argentine pope has used his encounter with young people in Central America to speak out repeatedly in defence of migrants and address other problems affecting the region such as poverty, drug trafficking, violence and what he said was a regional "plague" of murders of women.

In a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against migrants, the pope said at a giant prayer meeting on Saturday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society."

During that mass Francis consecrated a new altar at the restored basilica, rubbing it down with holy oil and blessing it in a solemn ceremony.

Installed in the altar were the relics of three Latin American saints, including Oscar Romero — the San Salvador archbishop murdered while giving mass by a far-right hit squad in El Salvador in 1980 — who was made a saint by Francis last year. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis winds up a global gathering of young Catholics on Sunday with a giant open-air mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims before leaving Panama. The pope, who on Saturday admitted the Church had been "wounded" by a deepening clergy sex abuse crisis, will celebrate the second open-air mass of his visit at a park on the outskirts of Panama City.

Pope Francis winds up a global gathering of young Catholics on Sunday with a giant open-air mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims before leaving Panama. The pope, who on Saturday admitted the Church had been "wounded" by a deepening clergy sex abuse crisis, will celebrate the second open-air mass of his visit at a park on the outskirts of Panama City. After mass, scheduled for early in the morning to avoid high temperatures, the 82-year-old pope will meet young people living with AIDS and HIV at the Good Samaritan home in the city. Francis will thank hundreds of World Youth Day volunteers at a stadium in the afternoon before a farewell ceremony and a flight back to Rome. The pope acknowledged Saturday that the Church was "wounded by sin" in a homily addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. Church 'wounded by sin' Celebrating mass at the landmark Cathedral of Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama City, Francis warned of the "weariness of hope that comes from seeing a Church wounded by sin, which has so often failed to hear all those cries." At a lunch meeting with 10 young pilgrims, Francis said sex abuse by the clergy was "a horrible crime," according to one of the guests. Later, at a massive vigil that the organizers said drew 600,000 pilgrims, the pope called on young people to reject the temptation to live their lives online and urged them to get involved in their communities. Life was not "in the cloud, waiting to be downloaded, a new app to be discovered, or a technique of mental self-improvement," the pontiff said during his grandfatherly discourse. The Argentine pope has used his encounter with young people in Central America to speak out repeatedly in defence of migrants and address other problems affecting the region such as poverty, drug trafficking, violence and what he said was a regional "plague" of murders of women. In a swipe at US President Donald Trump's plans to build a border wall against migrants, the pope said at a giant prayer meeting on Saturday that it was "senseless" to condemn every immigrant "as a threat to society." During that mass Francis consecrated a new altar at the restored basilica, rubbing it down with holy oil and blessing it in a solemn ceremony. Installed in the altar were the relics of three Latin American saints, including Oscar Romero — the San Salvador archbishop murdered while giving mass by a far-right hit squad in El Salvador in 1980 — who was made a saint by Francis last year.

Pope winds up World Youth Day events in Panama with giant mass

Meet the volunteers who help reunite lost pilgrims at Kumbh Mela

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police.

Due to previous incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions on the devotees at Sannidhanam.

The protesters were staying back near 'vavarunada' and chanting prayers, even as there was an imposition of Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot, police said.

The detained protesters are being taken to the Pamba police station, which is around 3.5-km downhill. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in this first week of the annual two-month-long 'Mandala-Makaravilakku' season of Sabarimala, which commenced on November 17.

Earlier, the protesters detained in similar circumstances were arrested, taken to the Maniyar police camp and were sent to judicial custody by the court subsequently.

The shrine has been witnessing frenzied protest over the decision of the state government to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police.

Around 60 pilgrims, who breached the security zone near Sabarimala's 'vavarunada' area and started chanting prayers despite prohibitory orders, have been detained by the police. Due to previous incidents of violence at the hill-top shrine, the police had imposed strict restrictions on the devotees at Sannidhanam. The protesters were staying back near 'vavarunada' and chanting prayers, even as there was an imposition of Section 144 that prohibits assembly of more than four people at a spot, police said. The detained protesters are being taken to the Pamba police station, which is around 3.5-km downhill. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in this first week of the annual two-month-long 'Mandala-Makaravilakku' season of Sabarimala, which commenced on November 17. Earlier, the protesters detained in similar circumstances were arrested, taken to the Maniyar police camp and were sent to judicial custody by the court subsequently. The shrine has been witnessing frenzied protest over the decision of the state government to implement the September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala.

60 Sabarimala pilgrims detained for violating prohibitory orders

In fresh strain in bilateral ties, India Friday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-again-stops-indian-officials-from-entering-gurudwara-in-lahore-178872">alleged harassment of Indian High Commission officials</a> in Islamabad and the denial of access to Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting that country.

India also expressed "grave concern" over reports of attempts during the pilgrims' ongoing visit to "incite" communal disharmony and "promote secessionist tendencies" with an aim to undermine India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the External Affairs Ministry said.

"India has today lodged a strong protest with the government of Pakistan that despite having been granted prior travel permission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the Consular officials of the High Commission of India in Islamabad were harassed and denied access on November 21 and 22 at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda," the ministry said in a statement.

India's protest came a day after the two countries agreed to develop a corridor on their respective side of the border to link a historic Sikh shrine in Kartarpur in Pakistan. 
There were reports that pro-Khalistani banners were shown to the Indian pilgrims while they were on their way to the two Sikh shrines.

"Pakistan has been called upon to take all measures to not allow its territory to be used for any hostile propaganda and support for secessionist tendencies against India in keeping with the commitments made under the Simla Agreement, 1972 and endorsed in the Lahore Declaration, 1999," the MEA said in a statement.

The Indian pilgrims are visiting Pakistan under a bilateral protocol.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has been reminded that such actions are not in consonance with the stated intentions of Pakistan to facilitate the visits of Indian Sikh pilgrims, especially as we commemorate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji," the MEA said.

According to the MEA, the access was denied despite the Pakistan Foreign Ministry granting them prior travel permission.&nbsp;

As a result of the harassment, the officials were compelled to return to Islamabad without performing their diplomatic and consular duties vis-a-vis Indian pilgrims, it added.

Indian officials said this is the third consecutive visit of Indian Sikh pilgrims when Pakistan has prevented the Indian High Commission officials from meeting the Indian nationals on the pretext of security.

The MEA called the denial of access an attempt to deflect attention from Pakistan's violation of international legal instruments and conventions like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Pakistan has been reminded that this is in contrast to the treatment meted out to their High Commissioner and the Consular officials in New Delhi who have been provided full access to meet the Pakistani pilgrims who are currently in India on pilgrimage to Kalyar Sharif, the MEA said.

In fresh strain in bilateral ties, India Friday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the alleged harassment of Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad and the denial of access to Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting that country.

In fresh strain in bilateral ties, India Friday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the alleged harassment of Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad and the denial of access to Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting that country. India also expressed "grave concern" over reports of attempts during the pilgrims' ongoing visit to "incite" communal disharmony and "promote secessionist tendencies" with an aim to undermine India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the External Affairs Ministry said. "India has today lodged a strong protest with the government of Pakistan that despite having been granted prior travel permission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the Consular officials of the High Commission of India in Islamabad were harassed and denied access on November 21 and 22 at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda," the ministry said in a statement. India's protest came a day after the two countries agreed to develop a corridor on their respective side of the border to link a historic Sikh shrine in Kartarpur in Pakistan. There were reports that pro-Khalistani banners were shown to the Indian pilgrims while they were on their way to the two Sikh shrines. "Pakistan has been called upon to take all measures to not allow its territory to be used for any hostile propaganda and support for secessionist tendencies against India in keeping with the commitments made under the Simla Agreement, 1972 and endorsed in the Lahore Declaration, 1999," the MEA said in a statement. The Indian pilgrims are visiting Pakistan under a bilateral protocol. "Pakistan has been reminded that such actions are not in consonance with the stated intentions of Pakistan to facilitate the visits of Indian Sikh pilgrims, especially as we commemorate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji," the MEA said. According to the MEA, the access was denied despite the Pakistan Foreign Ministry granting them prior travel permission. As a result of the harassment, the officials were compelled to return to Islamabad without performing their diplomatic and consular duties vis-a-vis Indian pilgrims, it added. Indian officials said this is the third consecutive visit of Indian Sikh pilgrims when Pakistan has prevented the Indian High Commission officials from meeting the Indian nationals on the pretext of security. The MEA called the denial of access an attempt to deflect attention from Pakistan's violation of international legal instruments and conventions like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Pakistan has been reminded that this is in contrast to the treatment meted out to their High Commissioner and the Consular officials in New Delhi who have been provided full access to meet the Pakistani pilgrims who are currently in India on pilgrimage to Kalyar Sharif, the MEA said.

India lodges protest with Pakistan over harassment of officials, denial of access to pilgrims

As the Lord Ayyappa temple is all <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-temple-to-open-amid-high-security-today-175540">set to open Monday</a> evening for a monthly puja, a thick security cover is in place in and around Sabarimala, which had witnessed protests last month after the Supreme Court permitted women of menstrual age group to offer prayers at the shrine.

Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning for not being allowed to leave for Pamba and Sannidhanam. They blocked traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam'.

"We have been waiting since last evening. We were told that we would be allowed to leave at 6 am. Now, they are telling us that KSRTC buses will be allowed to leave only by 12 pm. We have come to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Please allow us to go," an angry devotee said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Devotees begin the trek from Nilakkal base camp to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. The temple will open today evening and will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. <a href="https://t.co/nK47UGMang">pic.twitter.com/nK47UGMang</a>
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If private vehicles are not being allowed, they should be taken in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses to Pamba, the devotee said.

Media personnel have also not been allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba and 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) from the base camp here till 9 am this morning.

Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behara has said no restriction of any sort has been imposed on media persons.

"To ensure necessary protection to the media, we are not allowing them now. As soon as security arrangements are complete, media will be allowed in Sabarimala and nearby places," he said.

At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex).

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of four or more people, is in force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam for 72 hours from midnight Saturday.

Around <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tight-security-in-sabarimala-as-temple-opens-monday-for-special-puja-175454">2,300 personnel</a>, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed to ensure smooth 'darshan' and security of devotees.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Police deployed at Nilakkal base camp as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> is scheduled to open for prayers today evening. <a href="https://t.co/iq7LWFD237">pic.twitter.com/iq7LWFD237</a>
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Pathnamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan told PTI that all arrangements have been made for devotees to have smooth 'darshan'.

This is the second time the hill temple would open for 'darshan' after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-doors-shut-supreme-court-order-makes-no-difference-to-womens-right-to-pray-172880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjD76WdvbzeAhWKQI8KHf04C2k4ChAWCCAwCQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0a394vKAMd4aqFPoGZ_Fwv">Supreme Court allowed entry of women</a> of all age groups into it.

The temple had witnessed high drama last month following frenzied protests leading to around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 being prevented from reaching it and police and the agitators fighting a pitched battle over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order.

The shrine would open at 5 pm this evening for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of last king of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, and close at 10 pm on that day.

Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri would jointly open the temple doors and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum).

Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said the state government would ensure complete protection to believers.

So far, no women in the 'barred' age group had approached police for protection to offer prayers at the hill shrine, he said.

The Pandalam royal family, closely associated with the Ayyappa shrine, said it was "pained" at the heavy security in and around Sabarimala.

"Saddened that devotees will have to offer prayers at the shrine amid thick police cover," it said.

Protesting the apex court verdict, a 'prayer yagna' will be held in Pathnamthitta, the family said.

So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with the last month's violence.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As the Lord Ayyappa temple is all set to open Monday evening for a monthly puja, a thick security cover is in place in and around Sabarimala, which had witnessed protests last month after the Supreme Court permitted women of menstrual age group to offer prayers at the shrine.

As the Lord Ayyappa temple is all set to open Monday evening for a monthly puja, a thick security cover is in place in and around Sabarimala, which had witnessed protests last month after the Supreme Court permitted women of menstrual age group to offer prayers at the shrine. Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning for not being allowed to leave for Pamba and Sannidhanam. They blocked traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam'. "We have been waiting since last evening. We were told that we would be allowed to leave at 6 am. Now, they are telling us that KSRTC buses will be allowed to leave only by 12 pm. We have come to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Please allow us to go," an angry devotee said. #Kerala: Devotees begin the trek from Nilakkal base camp to #SabarimalaTemple. The temple will open today evening and will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/nK47UGMang — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × If private vehicles are not being allowed, they should be taken in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses to Pamba, the devotee said. Media personnel have also not been allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba and 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) from the base camp here till 9 am this morning. Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behara has said no restriction of any sort has been imposed on media persons. "To ensure necessary protection to the media, we are not allowing them now. As soon as security arrangements are complete, media will be allowed in Sabarimala and nearby places," he said. At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex). Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPc, banning assembly of four or more people, is in force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam for 72 hours from midnight Saturday. Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed to ensure smooth 'darshan' and security of devotees. #Kerala: Police deployed at Nilakkal base camp as #SabarimalaTemple is scheduled to open for prayers today evening. pic.twitter.com/iq7LWFD237 — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × Pathnamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan told PTI that all arrangements have been made for devotees to have smooth 'darshan'. This is the second time the hill temple would open for 'darshan' after the Supreme Court allowed entry of women of all age groups into it. The temple had witnessed high drama last month following frenzied protests leading to around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 being prevented from reaching it and police and the agitators fighting a pitched battle over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order. The shrine would open at 5 pm this evening for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of last king of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, and close at 10 pm on that day. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri would jointly open the temple doors and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum). Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said the state government would ensure complete protection to believers. So far, no women in the 'barred' age group had approached police for protection to offer prayers at the hill shrine, he said. The Pandalam royal family, closely associated with the Ayyappa shrine, said it was "pained" at the heavy security in and around Sabarimala. "Saddened that devotees will have to offer prayers at the shrine amid thick police cover," it said. Protesting the apex court verdict, a 'prayer yagna' will be held in Pathnamthitta, the family said. So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with the last month's violence. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict.

Kerala's Sabarimala to reopen today: 2,300 cops including commando team deployed

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra chaired a high-level meeting at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday review important security-related issues for the Amarnath yatra, scheduled to commence on June 28.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, heads of State and Central Intelligence Agencies, GOC XV Corps, GOC Victor Force, Senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces, Inspector General of Police Kashmir CEO and Additional CEO of the Shrine Board.

S.P. Pani, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir and Major General J.P. Mathew, GOC, Victor Force, gave a detailed briefing regarding the security environment in the state, while the Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, highlighted the need for all concerned agencies to keep a close watch and maintain effective coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Yatra.

The meeting held extensive discussions related to the preparations for meeting unforeseen situations functioning of the Joint Control Rooms (JCRs) at every Yatra Camp deployment of NDRF, SDRF and Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) of the State Police along with Rescue Teams of various Security Forces at identified locations on both Yatra routes deployment of well equipped Fire Fighting units at pre-determined points installation of X-Ray Baggage Scanning Units, etc.

The Governor also directed officials to ensure widespread publicity of advisories related to safety and security of Yatris, including the cut-off timings, through print and electronic media and to display the same at various public places.

He further directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that the roads from Jammu to Srinagar, Srinagar to Baltal, and Anantnag to Pahalgam are maintained in satisfactory condition for the smooth movement of the pilgrimage. 
The enforcement of regulatory mechanisms like allowing only those pilgrims who possess a valid Yatra Permit to undertake the Yatra on a given day was also stressed upon.

The Shrine Board has also made a provision for an Insurance Cover for all service providers, like pony wallas, labourers, palki wallas, tent and shop owners, who play a very important role in the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

The Governor has directed officials to ensure widespread publicity of advisories related to safety and security of Yatris

Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra chaired a high-level meeting at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday review important security-related issues for the Amarnath yatra, scheduled to commence on June 28. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, heads of State and Central Intelligence Agencies, GOC XV Corps, GOC Victor Force, Senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces, Inspector General of Police Kashmir CEO and Additional CEO of the Shrine Board. S.P. Pani, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir and Major General J.P. Mathew, GOC, Victor Force, gave a detailed briefing regarding the security environment in the state, while the Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, highlighted the need for all concerned agencies to keep a close watch and maintain effective coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Yatra. The meeting held extensive discussions related to the preparations for meeting unforeseen situations functioning of the Joint Control Rooms (JCRs) at every Yatra Camp deployment of NDRF, SDRF and Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) of the State Police along with Rescue Teams of various Security Forces at identified locations on both Yatra routes deployment of well equipped Fire Fighting units at pre-determined points installation of X-Ray Baggage Scanning Units, etc. The Governor also directed officials to ensure widespread publicity of advisories related to safety and security of Yatris, including the cut-off timings, through print and electronic media and to display the same at various public places. He further directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that the roads from Jammu to Srinagar, Srinagar to Baltal, and Anantnag to Pahalgam are maintained in satisfactory condition for the smooth movement of the pilgrimage. The enforcement of regulatory mechanisms like allowing only those pilgrims who possess a valid Yatra Permit to undertake the Yatra on a given day was also stressed upon. The Shrine Board has also made a provision for an Insurance Cover for all service providers, like pony wallas, labourers, palki wallas, tent and shop owners, who play a very important role in the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

J&K Governor discusses key security issues ahead of Amarnath Yatra

The gates of the Kedarnath shrine opened Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had on Saturday extended a warm welcome to devotees visiting the famous shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Rawat said this year's yatra would have several new features, including a daily laser show on Lord Shiva, to make the visitors' experience even more cherishable.&nbsp;

All necessary arrangements have been made by the state government to facilitate a smooth yatra for the pilgrims, Rawat said.

Adequate electricity, water, health and safety arrangements have been made on the trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, he said, adding, availability of doctors has been ensured at every kilometer along the route. 
Enough boarding arrangements have also been made for the pilgirms, the chief minister said.&nbsp;

Rawat said thanks to the well-planned restoration work carried out at Kedarnath, its attractive and grand structure would be visible to all. He said the road from the helipad to the temple has also been widened? substantially, he said.?

"At Kedarpuri, 'The Eternal Shiva' laser show will be the centre of attraction for devotees. The show depicts various life-like forms of Lord Shiva. It will be held on a daily basis," he said.?

The portals of Kedarnath were thrown open to devotees ceremoniously amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines have already been reopened while the gates of Badrinath will be reopened on Apr 30.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Portals of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kedarnath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kedarnath</a> shrine opened for devotees. (earlier visuals) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uttarakhand?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uttarakhand</a> <a href="https://t.co/1pKnNSm5Jg">pic.twitter.com/1pKnNSm5Jg</a>
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The gates of these temples are closed every winter due to snow-bound conditions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the state government has made all necessary arrangements to facilitate a smooth yatra for pilgrims

The gates of the Kedarnath shrine opened Sunday morning. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had on Saturday extended a warm welcome to devotees visiting the famous shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Rawat said this year's yatra would have several new features, including a daily laser show on Lord Shiva, to make the visitors' experience even more cherishable. All necessary arrangements have been made by the state government to facilitate a smooth yatra for the pilgrims, Rawat said. Adequate electricity, water, health and safety arrangements have been made on the trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, he said, adding, availability of doctors has been ensured at every kilometer along the route. Enough boarding arrangements have also been made for the pilgirms, the chief minister said. Rawat said thanks to the well-planned restoration work carried out at Kedarnath, its attractive and grand structure would be visible to all. He said the road from the helipad to the temple has also been widened? substantially, he said.? "At Kedarpuri, 'The Eternal Shiva' laser show will be the centre of attraction for devotees. The show depicts various life-like forms of Lord Shiva. It will be held on a daily basis," he said.? The portals of Kedarnath were thrown open to devotees ceremoniously amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines have already been reopened while the gates of Badrinath will be reopened on Apr 30. #WATCH: Portals of #Kedarnath shrine opened for devotees. (earlier visuals) #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/1pKnNSm5Jg — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2018 × The gates of these temples are closed every winter due to snow-bound conditions. (With inputs from PTI)

Watch: Gates of Kedarnath open, CM says there will be daily laser show on Lord Shiva

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Sunday that a total of 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India will go on Haj this year without any subsidy, a first after Independence.&nbsp

The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time.&nbsp

The total pilgrims this year include 19,000 pilgrims from Delhi, 14,500 from Lucknow, 14,200 from Mumbai, 11,700 from Cochin, 11,610 from Kolkata, 8,950 from Srinagar, 7,600 from Hyderabad, 6,700 from Ahmedabad, 5,550 from Bengaluru, 5,500 from Jaipur and 5,140 from Gaya.

A total of 4,000 pilgrims from Chennai, 3,250 from Varanasi, 2,950 from Guwahati, 2,800 from Nagpur, 2,100 from Ranchi, 450 from Goa, 430 from Mangalore, 350 from Aurangabad and 254 from Bhopal will also visit Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

As many as 1,28,002 pilgrims — including around 47 per cent females — will go on the Muslim pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India while 47,023 will opt for the services of private tour operators.

The Minister said 355,604 applications were received for Haj this year, including 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants.

He said at least Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year even after ending the Haj subsidy. A total of Rs 973 crore will be paid to airlines for 1,28,002 pilgrims.

Naqvi said that the Union government's decision to allow Haj pilgrims to choose the embarkation point most suited to them, instead of the earlier practice of fixing such a point for them, was benefiting those going to perform Haj.&nbsp

"Due to this new rule by the Union government, Haj pilgrims can board a flight from the airport most convenient for them. It has saved the government a lot of money," he added.&nbsp

The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Sunday that a total of 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India will go on Haj this year without any subsidy, a first after Independence. The announcement comes after the Centre increased the total quota for the second time. It was also announced that women from India will go without a male companion for the first time. The total pilgrims this year include 19,000 pilgrims from Delhi, 14,500 from Lucknow, 14,200 from Mumbai, 11,700 from Cochin, 11,610 from Kolkata, 8,950 from Srinagar, 7,600 from Hyderabad, 6,700 from Ahmedabad, 5,550 from Bengaluru, 5,500 from Jaipur and 5,140 from Gaya. A total of 4,000 pilgrims from Chennai, 3,250 from Varanasi, 2,950 from Guwahati, 2,800 from Nagpur, 2,100 from Ranchi, 450 from Goa, 430 from Mangalore, 350 from Aurangabad and 254 from Bhopal will also visit Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. As many as 1,28,002 pilgrims — including around 47 per cent females — will go on the Muslim pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India while 47,023 will opt for the services of private tour operators. The Minister said 355,604 applications were received for Haj this year, including 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants. He said at least Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year even after ending the Haj subsidy. A total of Rs 973 crore will be paid to airlines for 1,28,002 pilgrims. Naqvi said that the Union government's decision to allow Haj pilgrims to choose the embarkation point most suited to them, instead of the earlier practice of fixing such a point for them, was benefiting those going to perform Haj. "Due to this new rule by the Union government, Haj pilgrims can board a flight from the airport most convenient for them. It has saved the government a lot of money," he added.

1.75 lakh pilgrims from India to go on Haj this year for the first time after Independence

Pakistan today expressed disappointment at India for not issuing visas to more than 500 Pakistani pilgrims for visiting the famed shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.

The visit was to take place under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines and is a regular annual feature, Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

&quot;Pakistan notes with deep disappointment the non-issuance of visas by India for the visit of the 503 Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) to participate in the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) at Ajmer Sharif, India from 19-29 March 2018,&quot; the statement said.

Due to India&#39;s decision, the Pakistani pilgrims have been deprived of the opportunity to participate in the Urs, which is of special significance, it said.

Earlier 192 Pakistani pilgrims could not participate in the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja NizamuddinAulia in Delhi from 1-8 January due to the non-issuance of visas by India, it said.

The FO said that during 2017, despite Pakistan&#39;s offer to send a special train, Indian delays had resulted in Sikh yatrees (pilgrims) from India being unable to participate in the Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

In February, Pakistan had made all the arrangements for the visit of 173 Katas Raj pilgrims, who were &quot;forced&quot; to withdraw their applications from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi due to non-issuance of necessary clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the statement said.

&quot;Besides being violative of the bilateral Protocol of 1974 and the basic human right to religious freedom, such measures also undermine the efforts aimed at improving the environment, increasing people-to-people contacts and normalising relations between the two countries,&quot; the FO said.

It was again &quot;ironic&quot; that India failed to issue visas on the occasion of Urs of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti who for centuries has been the symbol of bringing communities closer to each other, the statement added.

The visit was to take place under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines and is a regular annual feature, Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement

Pakistan today expressed disappointment at India for not issuing visas to more than 500 Pakistani pilgrims for visiting the famed shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. The visit was to take place under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines and is a regular annual feature, Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. "Pakistan notes with deep disappointment the non-issuance of visas by India for the visit of the 503 Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) to participate in the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) at Ajmer Sharif, India from 19-29 March 2018," the statement said. Due to India's decision, the Pakistani pilgrims have been deprived of the opportunity to participate in the Urs, which is of special significance, it said. Earlier 192 Pakistani pilgrims could not participate in the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja NizamuddinAulia in Delhi from 1-8 January due to the non-issuance of visas by India, it said. The FO said that during 2017, despite Pakistan's offer to send a special train, Indian delays had resulted in Sikh yatrees (pilgrims) from India being unable to participate in the Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In February, Pakistan had made all the arrangements for the visit of 173 Katas Raj pilgrims, who were "forced" to withdraw their applications from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi due to non-issuance of necessary clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the statement said. "Besides being violative of the bilateral Protocol of 1974 and the basic human right to religious freedom, such measures also undermine the efforts aimed at improving the environment, increasing people-to-people contacts and normalising relations between the two countries," the FO said. It was again "ironic" that India failed to issue visas on the occasion of Urs of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti who for centuries has been the symbol of bringing communities closer to each other, the statement added.

Deep disappointment at non-issuance of visas by India: Pakistan

Four people, including three pilgrims, were killed and nine injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rains en route to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Reasi district. 
 
The landslide occurred on Banganga-Ardhkuwari road around midnight and the debris fell on a shelter where the pilgrims were sitting, chief executive officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Ajeet Sahu told PTI. 
 
&quot;Three pilgrims including a five-year-old died on the spot and another person was brought dead at the&nbsp;hospital,&quot; the CEO said. 
 
The victims were identified as 29-year-old Shashidhar Kumar of Banglore, 30-year-old Bindu Sahni and her 5-year-old son Vishal from Chhattisgarh, besides 32-year-old Sadik of Reasi who was a &#39;ponywalla&#39;, CEO said. 
 
Additional superintendent of police (ASP), Reasi, Sanjay Rana said that nine people were also injured in the incident.&nbsp;While seven of them were given first aid, two others were admitted to Kata hospital with serious injuries, he said. 
 
A rescue operation was conducted immediately on the spot in the presence of CEO and senior officers.&nbsp;Ex-gratia is being paid and arrangements for shifting dead bodies are also being made, Sahu said. 
 
Some of the injured were identified as Suraj Kant Sahni (36) of Chhattisgarh; Ved Singh (69), Naryani (58) and Om Parkas (62) of Haryana; Paras (eight) and Santosh (28) of Banglore.&nbsp;The yatra to the cave shrine, which was disrupted for some hours, later resumed, the ASP said. 
 
(PTI)

The injured were given first aid or were hospitalised, then the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed after a few hours

Four people, including three pilgrims, were killed and nine injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rains en route to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. The landslide occurred on Banganga-Ardhkuwari road around midnight and the debris fell on a shelter where the pilgrims were sitting, chief executive officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Ajeet Sahu told PTI. "Three pilgrims including a five-year-old died on the spot and another person was brought dead at the hospital," the CEO said. The victims were identified as 29-year-old Shashidhar Kumar of Banglore, 30-year-old Bindu Sahni and her 5-year-old son Vishal from Chhattisgarh, besides 32-year-old Sadik of Reasi who was a 'ponywalla', CEO said. Additional superintendent of police (ASP), Reasi, Sanjay Rana said that nine people were also injured in the incident. While seven of them were given first aid, two others were admitted to Kata hospital with serious injuries, he said. A rescue operation was conducted immediately on the spot in the presence of CEO and senior officers. Ex-gratia is being paid and arrangements for shifting dead bodies are also being made, Sahu said. Some of the injured were identified as Suraj Kant Sahni (36) of Chhattisgarh; Ved Singh (69), Naryani (58) and Om Parkas (62) of Haryana; Paras (eight) and Santosh (28) of Banglore. The yatra to the cave shrine, which was disrupted for some hours, later resumed, the ASP said. (PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir landslide: 4 killed, 9 injured

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