An 11-member jatha of experts and masons today crossed over to Pakistan for the kar seva of the historic gate of Janamasthan Nankana Sahib and various other historic Sikh shrines there. The kar seva would start from Baisakhi.

The jatha was led by Baba Jagtar Singh and Baba Amrik Singh. Baba Amrik Singh, talking to this correspondent, said the historic gate of the Janamasthan Nankana Sahib was in a dilapidated condition and needed immediate repair.

He said during the kar seva the 'steel kalashas' would be fitted atop the main gates of the historic gurdwaras of Bal Leela, Janamasthan and other gurdwaras through the traditional 'kar seva' by the babas. He said the 15 'gold kalashas' had been placed on the main building of the Janamasthan.

Baba Amrik Singh said the Government of Pakistan had stationed permanent security guards for the protection of the 'gold kalashas'. He said the kar seva of Janamasthan Guru Ram Dass at Lahore was nearing completion and the entire building had been preserved.

Baba Amrik Singh said the Government of Pakistan was keen to preserve Sikh heritage sites. He said besides the Government of Pakistan, they were getting full support from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee president Paramjit Singh Sarna.