BARMER, RAJASTHAN, INDIA, January 30, 2006: The Thar Express train that will connect Munabao in Rajasthan and Khokrapar in Pakistan’s Sindh might have to wait but a special pilgrimage is all set to cross the border from Munabao. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Jaswant Singh will lead a group of about 100 pilgrims to Hinglaj Mata shrine in Pakistan on Monday. Meanwhile India and Pakistan talks on this will continue on Monday and Tuesday in Islamabad. The train will run after 40 years lapse. For the people of desert state, reopening of the rail link will mean the re-linking their bond of faith with the Hindu shrines across the border. The Langa and Manganiyar Sufi singers of the Thar now sing of the train that will not only unite divided families but also bring the Hindu shrines in Sindh a little closer to Indians. Besides reuniting with their families across the border, people hope to visit the shrines they have only heard of.
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